Holiday Cheer or Holiday Fear? A Guide to Avoiding Scams and Frauds
For most of us, the holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and goodwill. Unfortunately, it's also a time when scammers and con artists take advantage of people's festive spirits. Without proper caution, you might unwittingly grant fraudsters access to your funds.
In today's landscape, scammers are actively targeting busy shoppers, aiming to deceive them. Here are some key tips to help you steer clear of holiday scams that could deplete your bank account or escalate your upcoming credit card statement.
Package Delivery Scams
Amidst the joy of giving and receiving presents, the high volume of mail and packages provides ample opportunities for scammers. Be cautious when receiving delivery notifications, especially through email. Scammers often send phishing emails, pretending to be reputable companies like FedEx and UPS, leading unsuspecting victims to phony websites to steal personal information. Always scrutinize delivery updates, verify the sender, and remember that legitimate delivery services won't request personal information via email.
Dangerous Links
Exercise caution when encountering links in emails or text messages, particularly if they originate from unfamiliar senders or if the message seems unsolicited. Phishing links are a common tool for scammers seeking to gather personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Although a link may redirect you to what appears to be a genuine website, it could be a fraudulent attempt to coax you into divulging sensitive banking or credit card details.
Popular during the holiday season are fake package delivery texts and emails, designed to deceive recipients with the appearance of legitimate delivery updates. These messages often contain phishing links. If you harbor any doubts about the legitimacy of a link, refrain from clicking on it. Instead, opt to directly contact the company in question to obtain further clarification and information.
Safe Online Shopping
As shopping activity peaks during the holidays, so do scams. Exercise caution when sharing personal information online, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Wait until you're on a secure network before making any purchases to ensure your sensitive information remains protected.
Gift Card Safety
Gift cards are a popular and convenient holiday gift, but they can also open the door to scams. Instead of picking them up from public racks, ask for gift cards directly from the store counter. This minimizes the risk of tampering and ensures the card's security.
Verify Discounts and Deals
The holiday season is rife with enticing deals, especially on social media. However, not all of them are legitimate. Before making a purchase, carefully read reviews, look for security credentials on websites, and research unfamiliar retailers. Always pay with a credit card, as it provides an additional layer of protection, and retain receipts for potential refund claims.
Awareness for Seniors
Seniors are often targeted with scams promising medical equipment covered by Medicare with minimal paperwork. Stay vigilant and verify such claims with reputable sources. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker and the AARP Fraud Watch Network are valuable resources for staying updated on common scams in your area.
This holiday season, let's enjoy the festivities without falling prey to scams and frauds. By staying informed, following these precautions, and looking out for one another, we can ensure a joyful and secure celebration for everyone. Knowledge is the best defense against scams, and together, we can make this holiday season a safe and happy one.
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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering triumphs and challenges of the modern woman. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.
Yvon’s upcoming Lifestyle Magazine will stylishly tell stories of trailblazers and tastemakers.
As an entrepreneur and influencer, she has been featured in LA Times, Thrive Global, OC Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and more. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.
