Top Tips for Avoiding Holiday Season Scams and Fraud

Nichole Thornton
6 days ago
3 min read

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and often a rush to shop for gifts. Unfortunately, it also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of busy shoppers and generous spirits. Every year, millions of people fall victim to holiday scams that can lead to financial loss and personal information theft. Staying alert and informed is the best way to protect yourself during this time. This post shares practical tips to help you spot and avoid common scams so you can enjoy a safer holiday season.

Eye-level view of a holiday shopping street decorated with festive lights and empty storefronts — Holiday shopping street with festive decorations

Recognize Common Holiday Scams

Scammers use a variety of tricks during the holidays. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid falling victim.

Fake online stores: Scammers create websites that look like legitimate retailers but never deliver products.
Phishing emails and texts: Messages that appear to be from trusted companies ask for personal or payment information.
Charity scams: Fraudulent charities exploit the season’s generosity by asking for donations that never reach those in need.
Gift card scams: Criminals ask for payment via gift cards or sell fake gift cards.
Package delivery scams: Fake delivery notifications prompt you to click malicious links or provide personal details.

Understanding these common scams helps you stay cautious when shopping or donating.

Verify Online Sellers Before Buying

Online shopping is convenient but can be risky if you don’t verify sellers.

Check for reviews on independent sites, not just the seller’s website.
Look for secure website indicators like “https” and a padlock icon in the browser.
Avoid deals that seem too good to be true; deep discounts on popular items often signal scams.
Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or trusted payment services.
Be wary of sellers who only accept wire transfers or gift cards.

Taking these steps reduces the chance of losing money to fake online stores.

Protect Your Personal Information

Scammers often try to steal personal data to commit identity theft.

Never share sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over email or phone unless you initiated the contact.
Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious messages.
Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Shred receipts and documents containing personal information before disposal.

Keeping your personal data secure is key to preventing fraud.

Be Careful with Holiday Charities

Giving to charity is a meaningful holiday tradition, but scammers take advantage of this goodwill.

Research charities before donating using websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
Donate directly on the charity’s official website rather than through links in emails or social media.
Be cautious of high-pressure tactics or requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
Ask for written information about the charity and how donations will be used.
Keep records of your donations for tax purposes and verification.

These precautions help ensure your generosity supports real causes.

Watch for Fake Delivery Notifications

With increased online shopping, package delivery scams spike during the holidays.

Confirm delivery notifications by checking your order status directly on the retailer’s website.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unexpected delivery emails or texts.
Be suspicious of messages asking for payment to release a package or update delivery details.
Use official carrier websites or apps to track shipments.
Report suspicious messages to the delivery company.

Staying alert prevents malware infections and identity theft from fake delivery scams.

Use Secure Payment Methods

How you pay can affect your protection against fraud.

Credit cards often provide fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges.
Avoid paying with wire transfers, prepaid cards, or gift cards for purchases or donations.
Use trusted payment services like PayPal that offer buyer protection.
Keep records of all transactions, including receipts and confirmation emails.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank or card issuer immediately.

Choosing secure payment options helps you recover funds if something goes wrong.

Keep Software and Devices Updated

Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to access your information.

Regularly update your computer, smartphone, and apps with the latest security patches.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software to detect threats.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping or banking; use a secure network or VPN.
Log out of accounts when finished, especially on shared devices.
Back up important data in case of ransomware attacks.

Maintaining device security reduces your risk of falling victim to cyber scams.