The 12 Scams of the Holidays

Don't Let Scammers Unwrap Your Info

While you’re busy juggling shopping lists, travel plans, and holiday celebrations, scammers are working overtime, relying on distractions to trick unsuspecting victims. To help you stay protected, our fraud experts have identified 12 of the most common scams this season and provided simple tips to keep your identity and money safe.

1. Fake Holiday Websites

During the holiday season, scammers often exploit the surge in online shopping. They create fake websites that closely mimic legitimate retailers, advertising significant discounts on popular items to lure unsuspecting shoppers. One of the easiest ways to spot a fake website is to check the URL. If a website looks slightly off, check the web address for small spelling errors or character substitutions. For example, let’s say someone tried replicating our website. Here is how it may look and the trick used to mislead you.

2. Phony Order Confirmations

Bogus order confirmations linked to various fake websites and online shopping sites are another common phishing scam. When you order something online, ensure you know beforehand where the confirmation is going. Do not click on unknown links provided in emails or texts if you did not place an order from the retailer. Some common warning signs are:

• Altered email addresses

• Grammar issues in the body of the email

• Requests additional payment or personal information to confirm the order

• Products listed in the text or email do not match what you ordered

3. Gift Card Scams

Scammers will pose as legitimate companies and send you phony gift cards through text or email. The intent is to prompt you to click the link(s) and provide sensitive information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and banking details. If you ever receive one of the “free” or “you won” gift cards, do not fall for it. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Have you ever received a free gift card from a company without knowing what it might be for? It is likely a phishing attempt if you are not anticipating anything from a company.

4. Fake Holiday Charities

Charitable giving often rises between November and January, and unfortunately, scammers take advantage of generous donors. Before contributing, research charities online by doing proper due diligence on the organization’s name, along with the word “scam,” to verify legitimacy and avoid falling victim to fraud.

5. Scam Holiday Apps

Holiday apps or mobile games might be fun, but they may leave you vulnerable to malware attacks. Whether you are downloading a Santa tracker or a fun holiday-themed game, scammers will create fake apps to collect your personal information. If you want to download a holiday-themed app, ensure you are using a reputable source, such as the default app stores on your mobile device.

6. Deceptive Social Media Ads

Holiday apps or mobile games might be fun, but they may leave you vulnerable to malware attacks. Whether you are downloading a Santa tracker or a fun holiday-themed game, scammers will create fake apps to collect your personal information. If you want to download a holiday-themed app, ensure you are using a reputable source, such as the default app stores on iPhone and Android devices.

7. Holiday Dupes to Avoid

Be cautious of “too-good-to-be-true” deals on popular items, such as luxury clothing, electronics, toys, and other designer products. These are generally cheap knockoffs or counterfeit products. Stick with trusted/verified platforms and be apprehensive about buying from resellers on second-hand websites.

8. Seasonal Job Scams

Seasonal job opportunities also pose a threat. Scammers will post fake job postings to collect your personal information. In these scams, the scammer will have you pay for specific items or courses required to start. If you have applied somewhere and have been directed to do so, research the company thoroughly and never spend the money before conducting your due diligence. You can even directly contact the company to confirm a position is legitimate.

9. Pet Purchase Scams

Scammers will often post ads for pets at low prices, only to disappear with your money once you make an online payment. To avoid falling for pet scams, never pay for a pet upfront without seeing it in person. You might also consider skipping the hassle altogether by adopting from a local animal shelter.

10. Malicious e-Cards

Digital holiday e-cards are a fun and easy way to send personalized messages to family and friends. It is also a good way for scammers to collect email addresses of new, unsuspecting victims. If you receive an e-card from an unrecognizable source, do not open it. Lastly, if you recognize the email of someone who sent you an e-card, verify with the sender before opening it.

11. Public Device-Charging Risks

Cybercriminals can hack public charging stations, and when you plug your device in, your information can be stolen or malware can be installed. Our experts do not recommend using public charging stations with the provided USBs. Remember to charge your devices at home before you leave, or invest in a portable charger that you can always carry with you.

12. Fake Toll Texts

Scammers will send fraudulent messages to impersonate state toll agencies, claiming you owe money. A straightforward workaround for this scam is to contact the agency directly if you believe you have outstanding tolls.

If you think your personal or business information has been compromised by one of these scams, call or visit your local Frandsen Bank branch today.