Did you know that the holidays are not just a festive season for families and friends but also a busy time for scammers? With Christmas around the corner, we spread joy and exchange gifts,, but scammers see it as a perfect chance to trick innocent buyers, taking their money through lies and scams.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that holiday scams reach their peak every year, targeting your money and personal information. In this blog, we’re going to explore how these scams work and share tips on staying safe this holiday season.

Why Are Holiday Scams So Common?

The holiday season is a perfect storm for scams. Shoppers are in a hurry, looking for the best deals, and sometimes they let their guard down. The rise of online shopping and data exchange has allowed scammers to weave into the process, blending their malicious work with otherwise legitimate transactions.

Jaeson Schultz, a cybersecurity expert, notes that the sheer volume of data and transactions during this time creates more opportunities for scams to slip through the cracks. Scammers exploit trusted platforms like Amazon, eBay, and even social media, knowing that many people believe nothing bad could ever happen on these platforms.

Five Holiday Scams That Could Wreck Your Season

Here are the top scams you need to watch out for during Christmas and New Year:

1. Deals Too Good to Be True

You’ve seen the ad: the latest iPhone for a fraction of the cost, or a PlayStation at half price. Tempting, right? This is exactly what scammers count on. They create fake listings and post them on platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and TikTok, offering deals that seem too good to ignore.

A good percentage of scammers use AI-generated reviews to give the appearance of legitimacy. They may charge you money for products they’ll never send or deliver counterfeit items instead. The only way to avoid falling for this scam is to buy only from verified sellers or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, check reviews written by trustworthy sources, not just the ones on the seller’s page.

Remember: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Purchases That Never Arrive

Online shopping is convenient, but it comes with risks. Some scammers set up fake stores or post fake listings. They take your money and never ship the items. The FBI ranks this as one of the top holiday scams.

To protect yourself:

• Track all your orders carefully.

• If a package doesn't arrive, contact the seller immediately.

• If the seller is unresponsive, file a complaint with your credit card company and report them to the Better Business Bureau.

3. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a common tool for scammers. There are two main ways scammers exploit gift cards:

Tampered Gift Cards: 

In stores, scammers tamper with gift cards by stealing the barcode or PIN. Once the card is loaded with money, they use it before the recipient even gets a chance.

Gift Card Payments: 

Scammers may ask you to pay for products using a prepaid gift card. Once they have the gift card details, they vanish without ever sending the product.

To avoid gift card scams:

• Inspect gift card packaging for tampering before buying.

• Purchase gift cards directly from the brand’s website.

• Never pay for online purchases with a gift card.

4. Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams ramp up during the holidays. Scammers send fake emails, texts, or messages pretending to be from trusted sources like your bank or a delivery service. These messages often include links or QR codes that lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information.

Common signs of phishing:

• Emails claiming you’ve won a prize or need to verify account details.

• Messages with links or QR codes for fake tracking information.

In order to stay safe:

• Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or scanning QR codes from unknown sources.

• Go directly to the official website if you need to check account details or deliveries.

5. Fake Charities

The holidays inspire generosity, and scammers exploit this by creating fake charities. They use emails, social media posts, or crowdfunding platforms to solicit donations. Some even mimic legitimate charities, making it hard to tell the difference.

Before donating:

• Verify the charity through platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

• Donate directly through the charity’s official website.

Social Media and Online Shopping Scams: Meta’s Warning

Social media giant Meta recently issued a warning about holiday shopping scams occurring worldwide. In their efforts to inform people, they identified scams involving gift box promotions, fake holiday decorations, and counterfeit coupons. AI-generated videos and fake testimonials are often used alongside these scams to trick people into sharing personal information or making purchases.

This year alone, Meta has removed more than two million scam accounts. They advise users to stay vigilant when responding to ads or promotions on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Tips to Avoid Scams This Holiday Season

• Use credit cards since they tend to offer fraud protection. Unlike debit cards or gift cards, they allow you to dispute unauthorized charges.

• Whether shopping online or in person, check the legitimacy of the seller. Look for verified badges and reviews from trusted sources.

• Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit card transactions for any suspicious activity.

• If you receive unsolicited offers or messages, pause and assess their authenticity. Don’t rush into clicking links or making purchases.

• Stay informed about the latest scams and how they work.

What To Do If You’re Scammed

If you suspect you’ve been scammed:

• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

• Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charges.

• Notify the Better Business Bureau or your state’s attorney general.

Protect Your Holiday Cheer

The holidays are meant to be a time of happiness, not stress. But scammers see this season as their chance to take advantage of people who are busy and distracted. By staying alert and informed, you can keep yourself safe and focus on enjoying the festive season with your loved ones.

To make things even easier, you can use PrivacyHawk. It helps protect your personal information, reduces annoying spam, and keeps you safe from identity theft and fraud. With just a few taps, PrivacyHawk makes sure your data stays private and out of the hands of scammers.

Download the PrivacyHawk app today and enjoy a safer, stress-free festive season!