By now, you’re probably familiar with online cons. If you have a mobile phone, chances are you’ve received at least one odd text or call from someone pretending to be someone they’re not.
We’re deep into the holiday season, which is an especially hectic stretch. You’ll be pulled in multiple directions, busy and distracted, and you might not be as vigilant as usual.
That’s why your “gut instinct” might not trigger immediately if you get a bogus message claiming a package is on its way — when in reality there’s no parcel and it’s just a scammer trying to trick you.
Americans lose almost $6 billion a year to fraud. The holidays, though, bring a particular set of schemes aimed directly at seasonal shoppers. Don’t be shocked if someone — or some shady organization — tries to take advantage of you before year’s end.
It’s not personal — they cast a wide net and target everyone.
Below are three common scams you’re likely to encounter during the holidays, along with simple steps to shield yourself.
1. “Click Here to Track Your Package”
One of the most frequent tricks is a fake text or email that pretends to update you about a delivery for something you supposedly ordered.
With online shopping on the rise, many of us keep an eye on doorsteps and mailboxes waiting for our purchases — and that anticipation is what scammers exploit.
Resist the urge to tap the link in that message, even if it looks convenient. Don’t click it.
“Examine the sender and recipients closely,” the Better Business Bureau recommends. “A message may appear to come from a well-known company, but scrutinize the sender’s email address. If the address is unfamiliar — perhaps a long jumble of letters and numbers — it’s likely a fake.”
Most of the time this is a phishing attempt — someone impersonating a respected company to harvest your financial details.
If you want to verify a delivery, go directly to the retailer’s site and enter the order or tracking number provided when you bought the item. Retailers like Amazon, eBay and Etsy make tracking straightforward, and most reputable sellers do, too.
2. “You’ve Won a $50 Gift Card From (Retailer Name)”
Reality check: You haven’t won a $50 gift card. Or $20. Or even $5. Free gift cards aren’t handed out randomly.
With inflation squeezing budgets, many of us would welcome an extra fifty bucks — and scammers count on that to bait victims.
This is typically another phishing ploy. They may request your bank account number, Social Security number, or other personal data.
If you suspect a gift card offer might be legit, contact the retailer directly via their official website or customer service number to confirm.
3. “Guaranteed Delivery by Christmas”
Overpromised shipping times are a big warning sign.
Everyone wants quick, free delivery. As holidays approach, scammers know you’ll be anxious to make sure presents arrive in time for family gatherings and celebrations.
If the delivery timeline being offered seems implausible, it probably is.
Chances are it isn’t a trustworthy deal. Don’t fall for it.
Additional Tips to Thwart Holiday Scammers
Scammers will be hard at work this season. Keep these extra pointers in mind.
Verify a Real Address and Phone Number
Fake sites often use deceptive web addresses and can mimic legitimate stores almost perfectly, the Better Business Bureau cautions. Look for warning signs before entering any personal or payment details.
“Authentic online stores should list a physical address and a working phone number in the contact area,” the BBB advises. “If those details are missing, it’s safer to shop elsewhere.”
Return and shipping policies should also be transparent and easy to find, the BBB adds.
Use a Credit Card Rather Than a Debit Card
Which is better for holiday purchases: a debit card or a credit card? The answer can be nuanced.
While we generally discourage excessive credit use because of mounting credit card debt and higher interest rates, in this situation a credit card often provides stronger fraud protection than a debit card.
If your credit card number is stolen and misused, federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50. Many card issuers also offer $0 liability protections.
Additionally, disputing a fraudulent charge on a credit card usually gives you more time to resolve the issue without risking your checking account — where a bogus withdrawal could lead to bounced checks or overdrafts.
What to Do If You’re Scammed
Your first step should be to report the incident to local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission.
Change passwords if you suspect they were compromised. Notify your bank if your debit information was exposed or your account accessed. Contact your credit card company if an unauthorized charge appears on your card.
If the scam occurred online, scan your computer with up-to-date antivirus software to check for malware or other threats.
As noted, these scammers will be industrious this time of year — they’re definitely not on the nice list.
Keep in mind: it’s the most fraudulent season of the year. Stay alert for Frosty the Scam Man!
Mike Carter ( [email protected] ) is a senior writer at Savinly.
