Holiday Scams: How to Protect Yourself This Season

The holidays are here—a time for giving, joy, and celebration. But for scammers, it’s prime season for stealing. While you’re busy shopping for the perfect gifts, criminals are busy setting traps. They know you’re distracted, spending money, and vulnerable.

You might think you’re too smart to fall for a scam—but holiday scams are getting smarter. They look real, sound urgent, and catch thousands off guard every year.

This blog will help you spot the most common scams, recognize red flags, and give you practical steps to protect your money and enjoy the season safely.

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The Most Common Holiday Scams

Scammers are creative, but some tactics appear year after year. The Better Business Bureau’s “Naughty List” highlights scams to watch for:

1. Misleading Social Media Ads
   Ads promise holiday deals but lead to fake websites, fake prducts, or hidden charges. Always research companies before buying and check BBB.org for reviews.
2. Social Media Gift Exchanges
   “Secret Sister” scams, wine swaps, or dog gift exchanges can share your personal information or act as pyramid schemes.
3. Holiday Apps
   Some free apps contain excessive ads or malware. Check privacy policies and reviews before downloading.
4. Fake Toll Collection Texts
   Scammers claim you owe fees. Always verify with the legitimate agency and avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts.
5. Free Gift Cards
   Emails, texts, or pop-ups promising gift cards are often scams. Don’t give personal information to unverified sources.
6. Temporary Holiday Jobs
   Fake job offers collect money or personal details. Research employers before sharing information.
7. Imposter Scams and Fake Online Stores
   Fake websites or support accounts imitate real businesses. Double-check URLs and contact companies directly.
8. Phising Emails and Fake Shipping Notifications
   Scammers send fake order updates to steal login info. Track packages via official websites only.
9. Fake Charities
   Verify charities through Charity Navigator or BBB’s Give.org before donating.
10. Advent Calendars, Holiday Wishlist Items, Counterfeits, and Puppy Scams
    Watch for knock-offs, incomplete items, or pets that may not exist. Purchase only from trusted sources.

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How Scams Target You

Scammers use urgency, pressure, and trust to trick you:

Fake Online Stores – Too-good-to-be-true deals lure you into fake websites.

Phising Emails and Texts – Messages claim issues with orders or accounts and lead you to fraudulent login pages.

Charity Scams – Scammers exploit holiday generosity with fake donations.

Delivery Fraud – Redelivery fee scams over text or email are common. Legitimate carriers won’t ask for payment this way.

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How to Spot the Red Flags

Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:

• Urgency and Pressure – Scammers rush you to act. Take a moment to think.
• Unusual Payment Methods – Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto are almost always scams.
• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes – Professional companies rarely send messages with typos or awkward phrasing.
• Check the URL – Verify web addresses carefully before entering personal information.

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Bottom Line

The holidays should be about happiness, not stress and lost money. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and educate friends and family. Awareness is your first defense against scammers.

By sharing this information, you help protect your loved ones and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

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