The holiday season is a time for pleasure, celebration, and exchanging gifts, but it’s also a great time for con artists to prey on gullible customers.
As more people travel, purchase online, and give to charities, scammers come up with new ways to defraud people of their money.
As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the FBI recently issued a warning to customers regarding internet scams.
Don’t allow the enthusiasm of the holidays impair your judgment! According to Christina Garza of the Houston FBI office, always confirm the integrity of online merchants and exercise caution when accepting unsolicited offers.
According to a 2023 report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center, consumers lost over $309 million last year due to non-payment and non-delivery frauds, while an additional $173 million was lost as a result of credit card fraud.
The FBI offers strategies for consumers to safeguard themselves against scams, including avoiding dubious links, exercising caution when requesting a password change, being aware of the source of online purchases, using cautious payment methods, and monitoring cardholder addresses and packages.
To prevent being a victim of these holiday scams, experts advise you to exercise additional caution this year.
1. Scams involving online shopping
Fraudulent websites have become more prevalent as a result of the growth in online purchasing, particularly those that offer discounts that seem too good to be true. Scammers frequently create phony e-commerce websites that appear authentic at first but vanish as soon as they get payment information. Customers should use credit cards rather than debit cards for extra security, go to well-known websites, and make sure the URL begins with https:// to avoid these scams.
2. Scams Using Gift Cards
Scammers frequently use gift cards, particularly around the holidays. Fraudsters may pretend to be a friend, relative, or even a business and try to convince you to purchase gift cards in order to claim a reward or as a last-minute emergency fix. The card number and PIN may be requested by scammers, who may subsequently use or resell the cards, leaving you with nothing. Always call or speak with a trusted person to confirm the validity of such demands.
3. Travel Fraud
During the holidays, fraud pertaining to travel is another prevalent scam. In order to acquire personal information or embezzle money, scammers may advertise amazing vacation packages or savings on airfare and lodging. Avoid clicking on unknown email links, do extensive research on the travel agency, and check for customer reviews if you come across a bargain that looks too good to be true.
4. Charity Fraud
Sadly, scammers take advantage of the generosity that is shown over the holidays. Fake charities frequently solicit money, particularly during emergencies or significant natural catastrophes. In order to fool people into giving money or personal information, scammers may even pose as well-known organizations. Avoid these frauds by researching the charity before making a donation and by using reliable resources such as Charity Navigator to confirm an organization’s legitimacy.
5. Phishing Texts and Emails
Scammers take advantage of the increased online activity around the holidays to increase phishing attempts. These phony emails or texts frequently ask for personal information or point you to a phony website while posing as banks, delivery services, or stores. Avoid opening documents or clicking links in unwanted messages that request private information. Instead, use a confirmed phone number or website to get in touch with the business directly.
6. Fraudulent Package Delivery
Package delivery scams are on the rise in tandem with the growth in internet shopping. Claiming that there is a problem with your cargo, scammers may send you emails or texts posing as FedEx or UPS, requesting that you verify personal information or pay extra costs. Avoid clicking on unsolicited delivery messages and always verify tracking information on official delivery websites.
How to Keep Yourself Safe:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, phone calls, and messages.
- Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and consider enabling two-factor authentication.
- Research companies, charities, and deals before making a purchase or donation.
- Monitor bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges.
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities to help protect others.
Being aware of these frauds as the holiday season approaches will help safeguard your hard-earned money and guarantee that the celebrations are stress-free and joyful. Remain informed, exercise caution, and keep in mind that if anything seems too good to be true, it most often is.
