Holiday Shoppers Beware

With the holiday season upon us, many consumers enjoy the ease and convenience of shopping online. The season is also a prime time for cybercriminals to exploit the rush. Unfortunately, the combination of record-breaking online shopping, a desire for great deals, and an increase in package tracking creates a ripe environment for scammers.

This year, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Here’s what you need to know to protect your identity and personal financial information.

1. Shopping Notification Scams

Cybercriminals are perfecting phishing and smishing scams, posing as legitimate retailers, mail carriers, or delivery services. These messages often claim:

• A package couldn’t be delivered.
• Shipping information needs to be updated.
• There’s an urgent need to confirm your details.

The messages may include:

• Links that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information.
• Attachments containing malware that infects your device.

How to Stay Safe:

• Don’t click links. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s or carrier’s website to verify tracking details.
• Verify authenticity. Look for official tracking numbers and contact the company directly if something seems suspicious.
• Stay organized. Keep a list of your orders and expected delivery dates to spot fake notifications.

2. Fake Retail Websites and Deals

As consumers hunt for bargains, fake websites offering steep discounts or exclusive holiday deals become prevalent. Scammers use:

• Lookalike websites mimicking popular retailers.
• Ads or promotions on social media leading to fake storefronts.

How to Spot a Fake Website:

• Look for typos and grammatical errors.
• Ensure the URL starts with “https://” and check for a padlock icon.
• Use a secure payment method, like a credit card or PayPal, which offers fraud protection.

3. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a favorite during the holidays—and for scammers too. Fraudsters often:

• Pretend to be a friend, employer, or authority figure and request gift card codes.
• Sell fraudulent or empty gift cards online at discounted prices.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Buy gift cards only from trusted retailers.
• Avoid sending gift card information via email or text.
• Be wary of anyone asking for payment in gift cards—it’s a common scam tactic.

4. Package Theft

While online scams are on the rise, porch piracy remains a real-world threat. Packages left unattended are at risk of being stolen.

How to Prevent Package Theft:

• Use delivery lockers or pick-up points where available.
• Schedule deliveries when someone will be home.
• Install a doorbell camera to deter thieves.

5. Charity Scams

Scammers take advantage of holiday goodwill, creating fake charities to solicit donations. These scams often involve:

• High-pressure tactics urging you to donate immediately.
• Fake websites that appear legitimate but steal your payment information.

How to Verify a Charity:

• Research the charity on trusted sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
• Be cautious of unsolicited requests via phone or email.
• Never donate by wire transfer or gift card.

6. QR Code Scams

QR codes are increasingly popular for everything from menus to promotions, but scammers are using fake QR codes to:

• Redirect you to malicious websites.
• Steal personal information or install malware.

Tips for Safe QR Code Use:

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
• Verify that the URL matches the organization or retailer you’re interacting with.

Stay Secure This Holiday Season

From shopping online to receiving your packages, staying vigilant can help protect your holiday cheer. Here’s a quick summary to keep your season safe:

• Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized charges.
• Update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Use a credit card for online purchases—it offers better fraud protection than debit cards.

By being proactive and cautious, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season and avoid falling victim to these scams. Stay alert, shop smart, and keep your holidays merry and bright!