Protecting Yourself from Holiday Scams: Tips, Tricks, and Do’s & Don’ts

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and generosity. However, it’s also a prime period for scams, as fraudsters prey on the goodwill and busy nature of the season. With shopping, travel, and social gatherings at the forefront, it’s easy to overlook red flags or fall into common traps. To help you protect yourself, this guide provides essential tips, tricks, and do’s and don’ts for staying safe from holiday scams.

Types of Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

1. Online Shopping Scams
  - Fraudulent websites selling counterfeit or non-existent products.
  - Fake deals that seem too good to be true (e.g., heavily discounted brand-name items).

2. Gift Card Scams
  - Scammers may pose as family members or friends asking for gift card codes as gifts, often through email or social media.
  - Fake charity scams asking for donations in the form of gift cards.

3. Phishing Scams
   - Emails or texts that look like they are from legitimate businesses (like Amazon, PayPal, or major retailers) asking for personal information or payment details.

4. Travel Scams
  - Fraudulent vacation deals or fake accommodation bookings that steal payment information or leave travelers stranded.

5. Charity Scams
  - Scammers create fake charities or hijack legitimate ones to solicit donations from generous individuals during the season of giving.

Do’s for Protecting Yourself from Scams

1. Do Shop from Trusted Websites
  - Always verify that the website is legitimate before making a purchase. Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon, which indicate a secure connection.
  - Stick to well-known online retailers, and if you’re trying out a new site, check reviews and do a quick web search for any complaints.

2. Do Use Secure Payment Methods
  - Credit cards often offer more protection than debit cards or bank transfers, making them the preferred payment method.
  - Avoid wiring money or paying with gift cards unless you are 100% sure about the legitimacy of the transaction.

3. Do Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  - For your online accounts, enable 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security beyond just your password. This is especially important for online retailers, social media, and email accounts.

4. Do Verify Charity Requests
  - Before making any donation, research the charity. Use trusted websites to verify that the organization is legitimate.
  - Be cautious of unsolicited donation requests—especially if they pressure you to donate quickly or offer tax benefits for doing so.

5. Do Monitor Your Bank Statements
  - Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to your bank.

Don’ts for Avoiding Holiday Scams

1. Don’t Trust Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
- Scammers often lure victims with incredibly low prices or “exclusive” discounts. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always compare prices with trusted retailers.

2. Don’t Give Personal Information Over Unsecure Channels
- Avoid providing sensitive information (like credit card numbers or social security details) through unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls.
- If you receive an unexpected email or message asking for this type of information, verify its legitimacy by contacting the company directly through a verified contact method.

3. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
- Avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar emails, especially during the holiday season. Phishing emails often contain links that direct you to fake websites designed to steal your personal information.
- Hover over any link before clicking to check if the URL matches the expected address.

4. Don’t Be Pressured into Immediate Decisions
- Whether it’s a donation request, a deal on a product, or a travel offer, don’t feel rushed into making a quick decision. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.
- Take your time to think, research, and ensure the legitimacy of the offer before proceeding.

5. Don’t Trust Unsolicited Calls or Texts
- Be wary of unsolicited communications from unknown numbers, especially those offering “limited-time holiday deals” or asking for immediate payment over the phone.
- If you’re unsure about the authenticity of the call, hang up and call the company directly using a verified number.

Additional Tips to Stay Safe

- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Many online accounts are hacked during the holidays. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords and consider using a password manager to keep your login details secure.

-Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid entering sensitive information, such as banking details or credit card numbers, while using public Wi-Fi networks. If necessary, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.

- Check Your Email Settings: Make sure your email settings are up to date and mark unsolicited emails as spam to prevent future scams.

While the holidays are a time to relax and enjoy, they are also a time when scammers are out in full force. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to holiday scams and ensure your festive season remains joyful and stress-free. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, take a step back and verify before taking action. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with a peace of mind!

For more resources on how to protect yourself from scams over the holiday season, the Florida Office of Attorney General has released a 2024 Consumer Protection Holiday Guide (link) and Holiday Scams-at-a-Glance Brochure (link).