The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and gift-giving, but it also increases the risk of scams and identity theft. As people rush to complete their shopping and travel plans, they may inadvertently expose themselves to fraud.
According to McAfee's 2025 holiday report, 1 of 3 Americans have fallen victim to an online scam during the holiday season – and of the 58% of those who’ve lost money to such scams, nearly 1 in 10 lost over $1,000. 64% of Americans receive most of their scam messages via email, 20% encounter them primarily via text, and 16% find them on social media.
Prominent scams include phishing and smishing attacks, with scammers posing as legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information, leading to potential identity theft.
Fake e-commerce sites lured consumers with unbelievable discounts via social media ads, resulting in lost funds and exposed personal data. Additionally, charity scams have grown more targeted, often involving cloned websites of reputable organizations.
Gift card scams are another major concern, where fraudsters impersonate officials to demand payments via gift cards, which are nearly impossible to trace. Travel scams, encompassing bogus travel deals and fraudulent accommodation listings, exploit travel seasonality, while package delivery scams have emerged, deceiving consumers through fake delivery notifications.
Here are seven essential tips to help you stay safe this holiday season.
RB Insights
- Be cautious when shopping online.
- Avoid falling for fake delivery notifications.
- Safeguard your passwords and accounts.
- Check for skimming devices at ATMs and card readers.
- Refrain from using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- Ignore get-rich-quick job ads.
- Verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations before donating.
1. Practice Caution Shopping Online
Online shopping scams have surged, with many consumers falling victim to fraudulent websites. To protect yourself:
- Beware of Online Marketplaces: Exercise caution on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Transactions with individuals lack the protections offered by reputable retailers.
- Use Traceable Payment Methods: Avoid paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. Opt for payment apps with buyer protections, such as PayPal.
- Watch for Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: Scammers often advertise in-demand products at unrealistically low prices, leading to lost money and no products.
2. Don't Fall for Phony Delivery Scams
Scammers frequently impersonate delivery services, especially during the holidays. To avoid falling for these scams:
- Do Not Click on Unsolicited Links: If you receive a text or email about a delivery, do not engage. Instead, track your packages through the official delivery service's website.
3. Safeguard Your Passwords
Account security is crucial during the holiday season. Follow these best practices:
- Use Unique Passwords: Create different passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager for added security.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication: This extra layer of security can help protect your accounts even if your password is compromised.
4. Check for Skimming Devices
When shopping in stores, be vigilant about card skimming:
- Inspect Card Readers: Look for any unusual attachments on ATMs or card readers that could indicate a skimmer.
- Consider Alternative Payment Methods: Use cash or contactless payment options to minimize risk.
5. Don't Shop on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hacker's playground:
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Refrain from shopping or accessing bank accounts on unsecured networks. If necessary, use a VPN for added security.
6. Ignore Get-Rich-From-Home Job Ads
Be wary of job offers that promise easy money:
- Research Opportunities: Stick to trusted job platforms and local businesses to avoid scams that could involve you in illegal activities.
7. Verify Requests for Donations
Scammers often exploit the holiday spirit:
- Research Charities: Before donating, verify the legitimacy of organizations through their official websites or trusted charity review sites.
Stay Safe This Season and Beyond
The holiday season can be a prime time for identity theft and fraud. Following these tips, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your personal information secure.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from scams this holiday season!
