Don’t Get Scammed! How to Protect Yourself During the Holiday Shopping Rush 

The holidays are a magical time for shopping, and while they bring festive deals, bright sales, and endless promotions, they also open the door for a less cheerful reality: scams. As the season rolls in, the holiday shopping rush attracts millions of eager shoppers—and unfortunately, plenty of cybercriminals too. Scammers love this time of year because they know people are in a hurry, often distracted, and searching for deals, making it easier to trick them.  
 

So, how do you keep your holiday spirit and protect yourself from holiday shopping scams? Let’s dive into the common types of scams and share some tried-and-true strategies to help you avoid falling victim. 
 

Why Are Holiday Shopping Scams So Common? 

Every holiday season sees a sharp rise in scams. The hectic shopping period combined with high online activity gives scammers endless opportunities to strike. Let’s break down the most common types of holiday scams and how you can protect yourself from each. 

 
Common Types of Holiday Shopping Scams 

1. Phishing Emails and Texts 

Phishing is one of the most widespread scams, and during the holiday season, it ramps up significantly. Scammers send emails or text messages that appear to be from reputable retailers, tempting you with holiday deals, tracking information for packages you didn’t order, or special discounts. But when you click the link, you’re directed to a fake site designed to steal your information. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Don’t click on suspicious links. Instead, go to the retailer’s site directly by typing in the URL. 

• Look out for odd email addresses. Legitimate companies won’t email you from addresses like sales@bigdeals-shop.com.co. 

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. 
   

2. Fake Promotions and Deals 

Around the holidays, many shoppers fall victim to “too good to be true” deals. Scammers set up fake ads on social media or pop-ups on websites claiming to offer incredible discounts. Once you’ve handed over your credit card details, the scammers disappear with your money, and the product you ordered never arrives. 
 

How to Avoid It: 

• Be sceptical of extreme discounts. Deals that seem unbelievable probably are. 

• Research the retailer. Google the website name with words like “scam” or “reviews” to check its legitimacy. 

• Stick with trusted retailers or well-known marketplaces. 

 

3. Counterfeit Goods 

During the holiday shopping rush, counterfeiters flood the market with fake products, especially high-demand items like branded clothing, shoes, and electronics. Not only are counterfeit products often poor quality, but they’re also illegal to buy or sell. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Look for official retailers. Buy directly from trusted brands or verified third-party sellers. 

• Check product reviews and ratings. Genuine products tend to have plenty of reviews and clear branding information. 

 
4. Gift Card Scams 

Gift cards are one of the most popular holiday gifts, but they’re also a target for scammers. Fake gift card websites offer “discounted” cards that don’t work, or scammers drain the balance on gift cards before you have a chance to use them. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Buy gift cards directly from the store or authorized resellers. 

• Avoid gift cards displayed in open racks at stores where scammers can tamper with them. 

 
5. Charity Fraud 

Around the holidays, scammers capitalize on goodwill by pretending to represent charities. Fake charities can look shockingly real, with professional websites and emotional stories, but the money you donate ends up in the scammer’s pocket. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Research before donating. Websites like Charity Navigator can verify legitimate charities. 

• Donate through the charity’s official website, not through third-party links or callers. 

 

6. Porch Pirates 

Porch piracy isn’t an online scam, but it’s one of the most common holiday scams around. Packages left on porches can be easy targets for thieves. They know that more packages are delivered during this season, and they take advantage of that. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Opt for secure delivery locations. Many delivery services allow you to pick up packages at local stores or secure lockers. 

• Invest in a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries. 

 
7. Fake Websites and Apps 

During the holiday shopping season, fake websites and apps surge, especially for popular products. Scammers mimic the branding of popular stores to trick shoppers into providing payment details or installing malware. 

 
How to Avoid It: 

• Check the URL carefully. Misspelled URLs or unusual domain names are red flags. 

• Use the app store on your device to download official shopping apps instead of relying on third-party links. 

 
Actionable Tips to Protect Yourself from Holiday Shopping Scams 

With these common scams in mind, let’s look at how to protect yourself and enjoy safe online shopping. 

1. Secure Online Shopping 

Shop from trusted websites and always check for a secure HTTPS connection. The “s” in HTTPS means the site is encrypted, keeping your data safer from hackers. 

2. Protect Personal Information 

Never overshare when shopping online. Retailers don’t need your Social Security number or other sensitive data. Always use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. 

3. Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True 

If a deal looks suspiciously good, do a quick search on the retailer or the product to verify its legitimacy. Big-name items usually have stable price ranges, even with holiday discounts. 

4. Verify Before You Buy 

Check reviews, ratings, and product photos from previous buyers, especially on third-party marketplaces. 

5. Monitor Your Financial Statements 

Keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements. Unauthorized charges often indicate fraud. Set up alerts to catch any suspicious activity right away. 

6. Use Updated Security Software 

Security software is crucial for shopping online safely. Updated antivirus and anti-malware programs can block phishing sites and alert you to suspicious links. 

7. In-Store Shopping Safety 

If you’re shopping in person, remember to protect your belongings and use secure payment options like contactless or mobile payments to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 

Emerging or Lesser-Known Scams 

These lesser-known scams are on the rise and deserve some extra attention. 

Social Media and Influencer Scams 

Fake giveaways and promotions from influencers are increasingly common, especially during the holidays. Always check the authenticity of the giveaway and verify the influencer’s reputation. 

QR Code Scams 

While QR codes are convenient, some can lead to phishing sites. Only scan codes from trusted sources. 

Travel Scams 

Be wary of holiday travel deals that sound too good to be true. Scammers often create fake listings for vacation rentals or offer discounted flights that don’t exist. 

What to Do If You Become a Victim 

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a scam: 

1. Report it to the authorities or your local consumer protection agency. 

2. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if your financial information has been compromised. 

3. Monitor your credit report and consider freezing your credit if identity theft is a concern. 
    

Stay safe this holiday season! Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on protecting yourself from scams. 

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