As the holiday season kicks off, so does a wave of scams targeting those of us enjoying holiday activities. Here are some of the most prevalent scams to watch out for during this festive period.
Online shopping scams
As legitimate retailers launch their seasonal promotions, scammers are also intensifying their efforts to deceive bargain-hunting shoppers. These criminals create bogus websites and social media campaigns with amazing deals. If it is too good to be true, it is a scam. They impersonate major brands, using fake posts and advertisements to lure consumers into spending money on products they will never receive. Additionally, these “spoofing” sites often distribute malware-laden links or attachments through fake coupons or “order confirmation” emails.
To protect yourself, avoid clicking on links from emails or texts that promise hot deals. Instead, manually type the web address of the company offering the deal into your browser. The safest way to make online purchases is with a credit card, as it allows you to dispute charges if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent. Be cautious when using P2P (peer-to-peer) payment apps like Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo, as they do not offer the same consumer protections as credit cards.
Gift card scams
When unsure what gift to get someone, buying a gift card might seem like a safe bet. However, an AARP survey found that 1 in 4 consumers have given or received a gift card with no value. While this could be a gift card error, most often it’s due to low-tech in-store tampering or high-tech online draining of card values. To avoid this, purchase gift cards directly from the websites of businesses the recipient loves. You can then send the gift card via email or print it out and mail it. This method ensures the card’s value is secure and reaches the intended recipient without issues.
Package delivery scams
As we prepare for holiday giving and celebrations, scammers are ramping up delivery scams. These criminals send fake messages about upcoming or missed deliveries, pretending to be from Amazon, UPS, FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service. Each year, over 23 billion false emails and texts are sent, hoping you’ll click on the link provided.
These links lead to phony sign-in pages asking for personal information or to malware-infested sites. Messages may claim you need to confirm an order or reschedule a delivery.
Scammers rely on the chaos of holiday shopping, hoping you’ll mistake their message for a legitimate one.
To protect yourself, keep track of your online orders and their shipping status. Use official websites to track packages or contact customer service. Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited messages.
Travel scams
You guessed it, as holiday travel ramps up, so do scams targeting travelers. Here are some of the top travel scams to watch out for. First of all, if it seems too good to be true, it is most likely a scam. Scammers send emails and texts offering free flights or stays to steal credit card information or install malware on your device. Make travel arrangements using trusted websites and pay with a credit card as there are many “spoofed” websites that look like legitimate travel businesses for hotels, car rentals and other services. Always pay for vacation rentals through official apps like Airbnb or VRBO instead of sending money via P2P (peer-to-peer) apps. Unsolicited offers for free trips or great discounts often come with hidden fees so be sure to read the fine print and be skeptical of vague promises.
Fake charities scams
According to fundraising software company Network for Good, one-third of all charitable giving occurs during the holiday season. However, this surge in generosity also attracts a darker element: fraudulent charities. With the increase in donations, scammers are exploiting your goodwill through fake websites and aggressive telemarketing tactics. These sham charities often mimic legitimate organizations, making it difficult for donors to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent appeals.
Experts advise donors to verify the legitimacy of charities before making contributions using charity checking websites. Here are three great websites which provide information on charitable organizations, including ratings, reviews and financial information: Charity Navigator, CharityWatch or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
One last piece of advice, use your credit card for online purchases, buying gift cards, making travel arrangements, or donating to charities. This is the safest way to make purchases as credit card companies allow you to dispute charges if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.
If you encounter a holiday scam, you can call the AARP fraud specialists at the Fraud Watch Network Helpline 877-908-3360 (4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska time, Monday thru Friday). They will be able to share information on what to do next and how to avoid future scams. They can also connect victims of fraud with AARP online support groups. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877-382-4357 or with the FBI Internet Crime Complain Center.
Teresa Holt is the state director for AARP Alaska.
