Stay Safe This Season: Holiday Scams to Watch Out For and How to Protect Yourself
The holiday season is the busiest—and unfortunately, one of the riskiest—times of the year for consumers. With more shopping, shipping, donating, and sending money online, it’s easy to get distracted and overlook the signs of scams. Fraud cases typically increase during this time of year, and criminals are more sophisticated than ever, using tactics like fake websites, spoofed delivery notices, AI-generated ads, and impersonation schemes to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
To help you stay safe, here are the most common holiday scams to be aware of and how to protect your money this season.
1. Holiday Mail & Delivery Scams
With so many packages being shipped, scammers send fake delivery notifications pretending to be USPS, UPS, or FedEx. These often include links leading to phony websites designed to steal your login credentials or personal information.
Watch for:
- Messages about shipments you weren’t expecting
- Requests for personal details to “confirm” a package
- Links that look unusual or slightly misspelled
How to stay safe:
Check package status directly on the carrier’s official website instead of clicking links in emails or texts.
2. Holiday Shopping Scams
Many holiday deals are promoted on social media, but not all of them come from legitimate retailers. Fraudsters create fake ads, websites, and storefronts that may look real—but the products never arrive.
Watch for:
- Prices that seem unusually low
- Poor or nonexistent customer reviews
- Websites lacking “https” or a security lock symbol
How to stay safe:
Research retailers, look for secure site indicators, and stick to trusted websites when possible.
3. Charity & Disaster Relief Scams
Scammers take advantage of seasonal generosity and crises by creating fake charities or fundraising campaigns.
Watch for:
- High-pressure tactics asking for immediate donations
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Organizations that can’t verify where funds go
How to stay safe:
Verify charities through reputable platforms, and avoid donating through unsolicited links or messages.
4. Investment Scams
Fraudsters use social media and AI-generated videos to promote “guaranteed return” investments that don’t actually exist.
Watch for:
- Promises of high returns with little or no risk
- Urgency to invest quickly
- Requests to move money through unfamiliar platforms
How to stay safe:
Research investment opportunities thoroughly and be cautious of unexpected offers.
5. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider and claim your device has a virus. They may ask for remote access or payment for fake services.
Watch for:
- Unsolicited tech support calls
- Messages instructing you to install special software
- Requests for credit card or account numbers
How to stay safe:
If you didn’t ask for help, hang up and contact the company directly using a verified phone number.
6. Imposter & Deepfake Scams
Criminals impersonate loved ones, dating prospects, law enforcement, or trusted companies. Increasingly, they use deepfake technology to create realistic voices, videos, and profiles.
Watch for:
- Urgent requests for money
- Unusual communication from someone you know
- Stories that can’t be easily verified
How to stay safe:
Confirm the person’s identity using a method you trust—especially if money is involved.
7. Card Skimming at ATMs & Gas Pumps
Skimmers and hidden cameras are often placed on machines during the holiday rush to capture card and PIN information.
Watch for:
- Card readers that look loose or misaligned
- Keypads that feel raised or unusual
- ATMs in poorly lit or low-visibility areas
How to stay safe:
- Use secure, well-lit ATMs and check devices before inserting your card.
How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Fraud
- Don’t rely solely on the name—scammers can spoof email addresses, caller IDs, and URLs.
- Avoid clicking links or opening attachments unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
- Never share personal information or one-time passcodes.
- Be cautious of messages that demand immediate action.
- Keep social media profiles private and limit the personal details you share.
- Report anything suspicious to the credit union right away.
