4 Common Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season The holiday season is a time of joy, but also a prime opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. As people rush to find the perfect gifts and make travel arrangements, fraudsters are devising new schemes to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. According to Amy Nofziger, a fraud specialist with AARP, there are several top scams making the rounds this season. By being aware of these tactics and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these criminal enterprises. Phishing Scams One of the most prevalent scams during the holidays is phishing. Scammers will often pose as legitimate businesses, charities, or even government agencies, sending emails or text messages that appear to be official communications. These messages may claim there is an issue with an order, request personal information for a prize or refund, or solicit donations for a worthy cause. The goal is to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link or providing sensitive data like credit card numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers. Once the scammer has this information, they can drain bank accounts, open fraudulent accounts in the victim's name, or sell the data on the dark web. Nofziger advises being extremely wary of any unsolicited messages, even if they seem to come from a familiar organization. "If you're not sure if the request is legitimate, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is authentic," she says. "Don't click on any links or provide information through the original message." Delivery Scams As more consumers turn to online shopping, delivery scams have become increasingly common. Scammers will create fake shipping notifications, often mimicking well-known carriers like FedEx or UPS, that claim a package couldn't be delivered. The message will then prompt the recipient to click a link or provide personal details to "reschedule" the delivery. These links can install malware on the victim's device or lead to a fake website designed to steal login credentials and financial information. Some scammers will also exploit delivery anxieties by claiming there is an issue with the payment for an order, requesting updated billing details. To avoid these scams, Nofziger suggests tracking packages directly through the carrier's official website or app, rather than clicking on links in emails or texts. She also recommends being cautious of requests to "confirm" or "update" delivery information, as legitimate companies typically have the details they need to complete the shipment. Gift Card Scams Gift cards have become a go-to holiday gift, but they've also become a favorite target for scammers. Thieves have devised various schemes to steal the value from gift cards before the recipient can use them. One common tactic is to visit retail stores, scratch off the concealing material on gift card packaging, and record the card numbers and PINs. They can then use this information to deplete the card's balance online or sell the data to other criminals. Some scammers have even been known to tamper with gift card displays, swapping out legitimate cards with ones they've already compromised. To protect yourself, Nofziger advises inspecting gift card packaging for any signs of tampering before purchase. She also recommends avoiding buying cards that appear to have been handled excessively or have damaged packaging. When giving gift cards, consider adding a personal touch by placing them in a greeting card or small gift box. Charity Scams The holiday season is a time of generosity, and scammers are eager to take advantage of that. Fake charities and crowdfunding campaigns pop up every year, often exploiting high-profile disasters or tragic events to tug at people's heartstrings. These scams can take many forms, from phishing emails soliciting donations to crowdfunding pages that disappear with the money. Scammers may also create lookalike websites for legitimate organizations, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake. Nofziger advises thoroughly researching any charitable organization before donating, verifying its legitimacy through watchdog groups like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. She also recommends considering local charities and community groups, as they are less likely to be targeted by scammers. When donating online, be sure to use a secure payment method and avoid sharing personal or financial information. Protecting Yourself While scams can be disheartening, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Nofziger emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, trusting your instincts, and taking the time to verify the legitimacy of any requests or offers. "Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so it's crucial to stay informed and be proactive," she says. "By being aware of the common scams and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy the holiday festivities without the worry of becoming a victim." Remember, if something seems too good to be true or raises red flags, it's probably best to steer clear. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can help ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy and not regret.