Stay Ahead of Holiday Scams: Protect Yourself This Season

The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but it is also open season for scammers. Fraud experts warn that cybercriminals tailor their tricks to take advantage of the festive rush, targeting people with fake charitable requests, bogus holiday coupons, or alarming emails. Staying vigilant is your best defense. Inspired by Shira Ovide’s article in The Washington Post, here are practical tips to help you protect yourself and your loved ones this season.

1. Be wary of unexpected links or calls

Scammers excel at making emails, texts, or calls look legitimate. That text claiming to be from FedEx or an email from your HR department asking for donations could be a scam. Always verify these messages independently. For example, instead of clicking on a link in a message, go directly to the official website or app to confirm the information.

Pro Tip: Be cautious of business phone numbers found via Google or virtual assistants like Siri. Fraudulent numbers can be inserted into search results.

2. Avoid unusual payment methods

Legitimate organizations and government agencies will never ask you to make payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal payment apps like Zelle or Venmo. If someone insists on payment this way, it is almost certainly a scam. Likewise, never share your passwords, confirmation codes, or download any software during a “support call” unless you initiated it with a verified company.

3. Take note of high-pressure tactics

Scammers thrive on creating urgency. Whether it is a claim that your Amazon account is compromised or a limited-time offer that is too good to pass up, take a step back. Slowing down gives you the time to think critically and verify if the situation is legitimate.

Doriel Abrahams from Forter notes that criminals are now using AI-generated mass messages to offer fake discounts. Before clicking on an enticing holiday coupon, verify the deal on the company’s official website or app. You can also search online (try Reddit) to see if others have flagged it as fraudulent.

4. Keep your personal information secure

The less data scammers have about you, the harder it is for them to target you. Limit what you share online, especially on public platforms. Be mindful of what apps and services you grant access to your email or social media accounts. Fraudsters often purchase or steal personal data to make their scams more convincing.

5. Talk to someone you trust

If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, talk it over with someone you trust. Discussing it can help you think through the situation logically. Sometimes, the simple act of stepping away from a pressured interaction gives you the clarity you need to spot a scam.

Use simple excuses to buy time, like saying, “I need to feed my dog” or “I’ll call you back after checking with someone.”

6. Practice safe online shopping habits

Scammers often set up fake e-commerce sites that look like legitimate retailers. Stick to trusted websites, and double-check the URL to ensure you are on the correct site. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use secure payment methods like credit cards for online purchases, as they offer better fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps.

7. Update and monitor your accounts regularly

Ensure that your accounts, including email, banking, and shopping, are secured with strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Monitor your account activity for any unauthorized changes or charges, especially during the busy holiday season.

8. Take advantage of improving technology

Tools like STIR/SHAKEN have made it harder for scammers to use spoofed phone numbers. However, vigilance is still crucial. Cybersecurity regulations, like California’s data privacy laws, are helping to limit criminals’ access to personal information. Familiarize yourself with the latest tools and techniques to stay one step ahead.

A Reminder: You’re Not to Blame for Being Targeted

Scammers are getting smarter, but so can you. Building your resilience through education and awareness is the best defense. Let’s enjoy the holidays safely and keep our spirits bright by staying informed and proactive.

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