The holidays are a time of year when many people are looking for good deals and savings. However, before you jump on the next too-good-to-be-true offer, be aware of the common holiday scams that are out there.
Cybercriminals often take advantage of people’s excitement during the holiday season to try and steal their money or personal information.
So, before you part with your hard-earned cash or sensitive data, make sure you know how to protect yourself from these scams. Stay safe this holiday season by being vigilant and knowing what to look for!
Here are some of the most common holiday scams to watch out for:
1. Fake holiday deals and discounts
Beware of fake offers for holiday deals and discounts. Many scammers create bogus websites or ads that promise amazing savings on popular items. They then use these deals to lure people into providing their personal information or financial details. Be sure to do your research before you click on any links or provide any information. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is!
2. Phishing emails and texts
Phishing scams are common all year round, but they tend to increase during the holiday season. This type of scam involves criminals sending fraudulent emails or texts that appear to be from a legitimate company or person. These messages often include a sense of urgency or offer something for free, to get people to click on a link or provide personal information. Be very careful about any emails or texts you receive during the holidays, even if they appear to be from someone you know. If you’re not sure whether an email or text is legitimate, contact the company or person directly to confirm before taking any action.
3. Fake charity donations
Sadly, there are always scammers who try to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays. They may set up fake charities or solicit donations door-to-door using high-pressure tactics. Be sure to do your research before giving to any charity, and never give cash or personal information to someone you don’t know.
4. Holiday travel scams
Scammers also target people who are planning to travel for the holidays. They may offer fake deals on airline tickets or vacation packages or pose as a hotel or rental car company. Be sure to book your travel plans directly with a reputable company, and never pay for anything upfront without checking out the business first.
5. Gift card scams
Gift cards have become increasingly popular in recent years, but scammers have also started targeting them. They may sell fake gift cards or scratch off the codes to reveal the balance on the card. They may also set up fake websites that resemble legitimate retailers, to get people to enter their personal information or financial details. Be sure to buy gift cards only from reputable sources and check the balance of the card before you use it.
These are just a few of the many holiday scams that are out there.
Be sure to stay alert and be cautious of any offers or requests for personal information or money. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!
