Stay Safe from Holiday Scams: Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it's also a peak period for scammers looking to take advantage of increased spending. Here’s how you can protect yourself from common scams and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

1. Non-Delivery and Non-Payment Scams: These are the most common holiday scams. In a non-delivery scam, you pay for goods that never arrive. In a non-payment scam, sellers send items but never receive payment. Always verify the legitimacy of sellers and buyers before making transactions.
2. Social Engineering Scams: These scams use psychological manipulation to trick you into giving away personal information or money. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls and text messages. If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up or stop the conversation and verify the sender's identity through trusted sources.
3. Check and Transaction Fraud: Fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated methods to commit check fraud. This includes stealing checks from mailboxes and altering them or using account details to print fake checks. Be vigilant about where you store and send checks.
4. AI Fraud: Scammers use artificial intelligence to impersonate friends and family, asking for money or personal information. Always verify the identity of the person contacting you, especially if the request seems unusual.
5. Account Takeover (ATO): Cybercriminals can gain access to your accounts through phishing, then make unauthorized transactions. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect your accounts.

Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams

1. Screen Calls: Be wary of phone calls or text messages from unknown numbers. If in doubt, hang up and contact them directly to verify the caller's identity.
2. Scrutinize Discounts: Be wary of items that are deeply discounted online. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Secure Payments: Never send money directly to a seller via wire transfer. Use a credit card for payments and regularly check your statements for suspicious transactions.
4. Verify Websites: Before making a purchase, ensure the website is legitimate. Look for secure URLs (https://) and read reviews for the company before purchasing.
5. Avoid Suspicious Sites: Do not click on links from unknown or suspicious websites and social media posts.
6. Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on hyperlinks in unsolicited emails or texts.
7. Be Cautious with Donations: Avoid urgent or pressured donations, charities, or fundraisers. Research the organization before donating.
8. Update Information Safely: Be suspicious of links asking you to update passwords or account information. Always go directly to the official website.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from holiday scams and enjoy a safer holiday season. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and have a wonderful holiday!