Season’s Cheatings! How to Beat Scammers and Crooks This Holiday Season

November 1, 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for scammers. The holiday season is scammers’ favorite time of year. All those busy, distracted people buying gifts, booking trips, and texting like crazy are ripe for digital robbery.

Scammers have grown incredibly skilled at pushing our buttons and playing on our emotions. But don’t worry. AMBA has the info you need to protect you and your loved ones from some of the most dangerous holiday scams, so you’ll know how to avoid them.

Nearly 75% of Americans experienced at least one type of holiday scam last year.

Auld Lang Scam

During the holidays, old acquaintances and friends fill our inboxes and social accounts with hellos and updates. Scammers know these messages bring out our warm-and-fuzzy side, making us more susceptible to phishing emails or phony cries for help.

These are attempts to exploit your compassion for others. If an old friend contacts you and asks for financial assistance, our natural gut response is to help. And every scammer knows it’s easier to hack a person than a machine. Give your friend a call and confirm whether or not their email is genuine.

The Many Dangers of Gift Cards

A common technique used by fraudsters involves gift cards. The scam involves persuading you to buy a gift card and then asking you to either send the physical card to them or tell them the account numbers and information.

This scam can come via email, text message, or direct call. The tactics the scam artists employ also vary, but they usually try to instill a sense of urgency and panic. Sometimes, phishing emails urge you to send gift cards to pay for late fees or fictitious costs. Sometimes, they invent emergencies involving a loved one to trick you into buying and sending cards.

If this happens to you, it's essential to slow down and question whether you’re reacting emotionally or rationally. Directly contact whoever contacted you—whether it’s your bank, credit card company, or friend—and verify whether the request is authentic.

Even buying gift cards for loved ones has unique dangers. Thieves can access the gift card info on the racks at the store and monitor when someone has purchased (and then activated) the card. You or your loved one will find the card has already been spent before you can use it.

Fake Online Stores Pose a Real Danger

Shopping online at your favorite stores can have dangerous results:  thousands of fake online stores are waiting to steal your money, personal information, and credit card information.

Fortunately, these stores aren’t too hard to spot if you know the warning signs to look out for. Some ways to identify a problem include if the URL is misspelled, conspicuous spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the site, or the images appear pixelated (as a result of being copied from a genuine store website).

And as the old saying goes: If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Scammers like to take advantage of people who want to take advantage of a great deal. Resist the urge to make an impulse purchase, and take the time to make sure you’re on a legitimate website.

You Want to Give, Not Give Away Your Identity

For scammers, every tragedy is an opportunity. Fake donation websites, unfortunately, are an effective tool for digital thieves.

These charitable giving websites – whether for crisis appeals, dog shelters, or international aid - are carefully crafted to exploit our emotions and sense of urgency. This is why these sites frequently pressure you to donate now.

If you want to donate safely, take a moment to type in the actual website of trusted organizations to make your gift. Neverclick on a link in an unsolicited email or download an attachment from a social media post.

False Delivery-Notification Texts

Many of us receive text messages about incoming packages during the holiday season, so this simple ruse is especially effective during this time of the year. In this scenario, you’ll be asked to click on a link prompting you to enter personal information to verify your delivery.

Frequently, this scam will install malware on your phone or computer to secretly steal your information. Occasionally, you’ll even be asked to call a “customer service representative,” who will need your account information to verify your purchase. Don’t fall for it.

Porch Pirates

Home delivery can be a welcome convenience but also a great danger. You’re probably familiar with “porch pirates,” thieves who come to your door and steal your packages and gifts.

There are solutions to help secure your deliveries. One is to opt into delivery-tracking alerts, which will let you know when a delivery will arrive. Another is installing a home security camera, which can have a deterrent effect to keep thieves away and provide evidence if your property is stolen. You can also have packages delivered to your workplace or a nearby UPS store, post office, or Amazon Locker.

Posting Your Holiday Travel Plans? That’s When Scammers Go to Work

Heading out of town for the holidays? Posting your travels creates the perfect opportunity for mischief. You’re informing people – including scam artists - when you’ll be away from home and where you’re going. This can leave you vulnerable on two fronts.

Scammers can alarm travelers with fake offers, insurance cards, visa demands, extra booking charges, etc. One popular ploy is to send out flight-cancellation emails that offer a full refund. The tell? You’ll be asked to provide your bank details. Also, don’t use social media to complain about a flight or holiday. Thieves monitor travel sites and are eager to offer “help.”

If you can resist the urge to post your holiday plans and adventures until after you’ve returned, your home and finances can be much safer. If you have an issue with a merchant during your holiday, contact them directly.

AMBA wants to help ensure you and your loved ones’ holidays are fun, festive, and safe. Following the above tips will help. AMBA will continue to update you on how to stay safe from scam artists. It’s all part of how AMBA looks out for you, your well-being, and your financial safety every day.

Source:

https://www.aura.com/learn/holiday-scams

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/us-attorneys-office-warns-about-common-holiday-scams

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