Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for giving—but unfortunately, it’s also peak season for scammers. With shoppers rushing to buy gifts, donate to causes and travel, criminals take advantage of stress, generosity and online activity. Knowing the most common holiday scams to watch out for can help you protect your money, identity and peace of mind. Here are 10 of the most dangerous holiday scams, what to look for and how to tell what’s real.
1. Credit Card Scams
Scammers steal credit card information through fake websites, data breaches or card-skimming devices at stores and gas pumps.
Warning signs include:
- Unauthorized charges.
- Requests for full card numbers via email or text.
- Checkout pages without HTTPS security.
Only shop on secure websites, monitor your statements daily and use virtual card numbers when possible.
2. Phone Scams
Holiday phone scams often involve fake delivery issues, IRS threats or tech support emergencies.
Scammers will usually use the following:
- Urgent calls demanding immediate payment.
- Requests for gift cards, crypto or wire transfers.
- Caller ID that looks “official.”
Hang up and contact the company directly using an official website or bill—never trust incoming calls.
3. Fake Charities
Scammers create counterfeit charities that exploit holiday generosity.
A real charity would never have:
- High-pressure donation tactics.
- Vague mission statements.
- No official website or tax ID.
Verify charities using watchdog sites and never donate through unsolicited phone calls or social media messages.
4. Fake Gift Cards
Gift cards are a favorite tool for scammers because they’re nearly impossible to trace.
Be aware of:
- Requests for payment using gift cards.
- Cards that appear scratched or altered in-store.
Buy gift cards only from reputable retailers and never send card codes to anyone you don’t know personally.
5. Fake Shipping and Delivery Notices
Scammers send texts or emails pretending to be delivery services like USPS, Amazon or FedEx.
Warning signs can include:
- Links requiring immediate action.
- Misspelled brand names.
- Requests for “re-delivery fees.”
Track packages directly through official apps or websites, never through emailed links.
6. Online Shopping Scams
Fake websites advertise “too-good-to-be-true” deals on popular holiday items.
When shopping online watch out for:
- Huge discounts on sold-out products.
- No customer service contact.
- Poor website design and grammar.
Search for independent reviews before purchasing and avoid ads that pressure you into fast checkout.
7. Social Media Giveaway Scams
Fraudsters impersonate brands or influencers offering free gifts in exchange for personal info.
Warning signs can include:
- Requests for shipping fees.
- Messages asking for login credentials.
- Accounts with very few posts or followers.
Verify giveaways on official brand pages and never provide passwords or banking details.
8. Travel and Vacation Scams
Fake rental listings, flight deals and vacation packages spike during the holidays.
When booking a trip be cautious of:
- Requests for off-platform payments.
- Prices far below normal.
- Refusal to provide contracts or documentation.
Only book through reputable platforms and always pay using secure, traceable methods.
9. Charity Imposters on Social Media
Scammers directly message victims pretending to represent disaster relief or toy drives.
Be aware of:
- Emotional pressure tactics.
- Personal payment links.
- Refusal to verify credentials.
Independently look up the organization and donate only through official websites.
10. Job and Work-From-Home Scams
Holiday hiring scams promise fast money for shipping, gift wrapping or administrative work.
Always ask questions and be aware of these warning signs:
- Upfront fees.
- Requests for personal banking details.
- Overpayment “refund” schemes.
Research employers carefully and never send money to get a job.
How to Tell if Something is Real or a Scam
Use this quick checklist before you click, buy or donate:
- Urgency = danger. Scammers want you to panic and act fast.
- Unusual payment methods = red flag. Gift cards, crypto and wire transfers are common scam tools.
- Poor spelling = warning sign. Many scam messages contain obvious mistakes.
- Unexpected contact = risk. Be especially cautious with messages you didn’t request.
- Pressure to stay secret = scam tactic. Legitimate businesses don’t demand secrecy.
Holiday scams work because they exploit trust, urgency and goodwill. The best protection is simple: slow down, verify everything and never let pressure override logic. If a deal, message or request feels slightly “off,” it probably is. That's why it's important to be aware of these holiday scams to watch out for.
Staying alert during the holidays doesn’t mean being cynical, it means protecting yourself so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating safely with the people you care about.