Don't let the Grinch scam you this holiday season!

Holiday Scams PDF

The holiday season brings excitement, generosity, and a flurry of shopping—but it also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of the festivities. From fake deals to phishing emails, fraudsters ramp up their efforts during this busy time. By understanding the most common holiday scams and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself, your family, and your organization from falling victim to these schemes. And remember, it doesn’t end after New Years Day, this is an ongoing issue.

What are some of the most common frauds and scams?

• Fake Retailers & “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals: Scammers create convincing websites or social media ads offering hard-to-find gifts or deep discounts.
• Fake Shipping Notifications: Fraudsters send emails or texts claiming there’s a delivery issue, prompting you to click a link that steals your information or installs malware.
• Payment Requests via Gift Cards: Scammers impersonate businesses, government agencies, or even company executives, demanding payment with gift cards.
• Fake Charities: Criminals set up fraudulent charities or mimic real ones, especially during the holidays. Always verify charities through trusted sites.

Are there any business specific scams or frauds that are common?

• Payroll and Invoice Fraud: For organizations, scammers may impersonate employees to reroute direct deposits, send fake invoices, or request urgent wire transfers. Always verify changes to payment instructions through a separate, trusted channel.
• Gift Card Requests from “Executives”: Fraudsters may pose as company leaders, urgently requesting staff to buy gift cards for “business purposes.” Always confirm such requests directly with the person, not via email or text.

Are there any key prevention tips we should all be using?

• Pause Before You Pay: Scammers rely on urgency. Take a moment to verify any request, especially those involving money or personal information.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with credit cards or secure digital wallets, not gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Verify Websites and Charities: Check URLs for “https,” research unfamiliar retailers, and confirm charities through independent sources.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add extra security to your accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

What are the red flags that should put us all on high alert?

• Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers or person-to-person apps
• Unsolicited emails or texts with urgent requests or links
• “Too-good-to-be-true” deals, especially on social media
• Threats of criminal consequences for non-compliance
• Asking for information that the organization should already know about you