Scammers love the holidays as much as we do—just for very different reasons. With online shopping and charitable giving on the rise, fake websites, fraudulent ads, and too-good-to-be-true deals are everywhere.
Holiday Shopping
Be vigilant, watch out for these common holiday shopping scams:
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals:ÌýIf the price seems unreal, it probably is.
- Fake Social Media Ads:ÌýVerify deals on official accounts before clicking.
- Delivery Text Scams:ÌýDon’t click links or share personal info from unexpected texts.
- Lookalike Online Shops:ÌýDouble-check URLs and use search engines to find official sites.
- Phishing Emails & Texts:ÌýBe alert for fake confirmations or urgent requests
Holiday Giving
Here’s how to protect yourself and give wisely:
- Research Charities:ÌýWhen giving,Ìýsearch for reputable organizations via trusted resources likeÌýBBB Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Choose Safe Payment Methods:ÌýAvoid cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Use credit cards or checks, and keep donation records.
- Watch for Scams: Be cautious of pressure tactics, vague claims, and misleading names. Never donate in exchange for sweepstakes promises.
- Report Suspicious Activity:Ìý³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌýÌýto report scams.
For more information, check out this article from the National Cybersecurity Alliance,Ìý.
Stay safe and enjoy the season!