With the holiday season approaching, it’s important to stay vigilant against the various scams that tend to spike this time of year. Criminals prey on increased shopping, gift-giving, and charitable activities, using schemes that range from package theft to online fraud. Here’s what you need to watch for.
Package Theft and Vehicle Break-Ins: With more deliveries, “porch pirates” are on the lookout. Consider installing a doorbell or security camera, or opting-in for secure delivery options like Amazon Key or garage delivery services. If you can’t be home, ask a neighbor to pick up your packages. Never leave running vehicles unattended or cars unlocked, even for a quick trip inside. It’s an invitation to criminals to at least rummage through your vehicle, and at worst, take off with it.
Social Media Ad Scams: Be wary of deals on social media that seem too good to be true—they often are. Scammers use ads to sell counterfeit or non-existent items. Before purchasing, research the seller, look for customer reviews, and avoid deals that direct you to unusual checkout pages.
Package Delivery Text Scams: Many receive texts claiming there’s an issue with a delivery and asking for personal information. Never click on these links or provide details. Verify directly through the carrier’s website using a tracking number.
Gift Card Scams: If someone asks you to pay with a gift card, it’s a scam. Legitimate companies and charities will never request payments this way. Scammers often trick people into thinking they’re helping out a friend or relative in urgent need.
Charity Scams: Research charities on CharityNavigator.org before donating. Scammers create fake websites or send out phishing emails to steal from well-meaning donors. Beware of donating to Go Fund Me fundraisers unless you know the people involved and have confirmed they created it.
Booking Scams: Stick to reputable travel sites. Check the URL and watch for misspellings or strange characters. Scammers often create look-alike sites to steal your information or money.
If you fall victim to a scam, report it immediately to FTC.gov or your local authorities. Stay safe this holiday season—when in doubt, remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!