The holidays can be a magical time for making memories, but they are also a prime opportunity for scammers and identity thieves to strike. The hustle and bustle of shopping, travel, and preparations can make anyone vulnerable to fraud. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself against online scams and identity theft while still enjoying the season.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam or having your personal identifiable information compromised.
- Practice Caution Shopping Online
Online shopping is convenient, but comes with risks. In fact, online shopping scams were among the riskiest scams in 2023, according to the most recent Better Business Bureau (BBB) Institute Online Scams Report. Not only are these scams common, but 82% of those targeted in online shopping scams reported losing money.
- Be Vigilant When Shopping Online
Online shopping scams were among the most common and costly scams in 2023, with 82% of victims losing money, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Protect yourself with these tips:
- Avoid risky online marketplaces: Be cautious when shopping on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These often lack purchase protections offered by reputable retailers or credit card transactions.
- Stick to secure payment methods: Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Opt for payment methods with buyer protection, like credit cards or PayPal.
- Beware of “too good to be true” deals: Scammers often lure buyers with steep discounts on in-demand products. If it seems to good to be true, trust your gut!
- Don’t Fall for Fake Delivery Notifications
Delivery scams spike during the holidays, often disguised as text messages claiming to be from USPS or other carriers. Clicking on these phishing links can expose your personal information or install malware on your device.
Always track packages directly through official carrier websites.
Ignore unsolicited messages requesting you to confirm or update delivery information.
- Strengthen Your Account Security
According to LastPass, 81 percent of confirmed breaches were due to weak or stolen passwords in 2022. Take steps to secure your online accounts before the holiday rush:
- Use unique, strong passwords for each account or a password manager to generate and store them securely.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security, especially for financial accounts.
- Check for Skimmers When Shopping In-Store
Card-skimming devices on ATMs and payment terminals can steal your card information. Look for signs of tampering before inserting your card.
- Use contactless payment methods like tap-to-pay cards or digital wallets for added security.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
Public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, malls, restaurants and other retail locations are a goldmine for hackers looking to intercept sensitive information.
- Avoid shopping, banking, or logging into other personal accounts via public Wi-Fi.
- If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) for a more secure connection.
- Stay Clear of Work-From-Home Scams
Be wary of ads promising high pay for minimal effort, as these often involve illegal activities like money laundering or reshipping scams. Stick to trusted platforms or local businesses for legitimate seasonal work.
- Verify Charitable Donation Requests
Fraudsters often impersonate charities during the holidays, preying on goodwill.
- Research organizations through sites like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch to confirm legitimacy.
- Donate directly through official websites instead of responding to unsolicited calls or emails.
Enjoy a Scam-Free Holiday Season
The holidays should be about joy and connection, not stress over falling victim to fraud. By taking these proactive steps, you can protect yourself from online scams and identity theft while focusing on what truly matters.
