What To Look Out For As You Head Towards Christmas

This one is about protecting yourself rather than making an income, but given the time of year, it is critical to be aware of what can happen if you let your defences down. Money saved or protected is just as valuable as money earned.

If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, try to make them aware of these scams if possible.

Fake Online Stores and Deals

The Scam:

Scammers set up convincing but fake online stores or websites that sell popular items at unbelievably low prices. These sites often mimic legitimate retailers or offer "too-good-to-be-true" deals on sought-after products like electronics, designer goods, or toys. Often, on these sites, once you pay, the product never arrives, or you receive a counterfeit or low-quality item.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stick to trusted retailers. Only shop on websites you know or have verified.

• Look for HTTPS. Ensure the URL starts with “https” and check for the padlock icon in the address bar.

• Research the seller. Search for reviews, ratings, and customer feedback before purchasing from an unfamiliar site.

• Be sceptical of huge discounts. If the price is drastically lower than everywhere else, it could easily be a scam.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

The Scam:

During the holidays, scammers send fake emails or text messages pretending to be from trusted companies (e.g., Amazon, FedEx, or payment platforms like PayPal). These messages often claim an issue with your order, a delivery delay, or a refund opportunity. Clicking the link may lead to a phishing site trying to steal your login credentials or personal information.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the sender. Check the email address or phone number carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.

• Don’t click links. Instead of clicking on links in the message, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.

• Watch for urgency. Scammers use phrases like “Act Immediately!” to pressure victims. Take your time to verify before responding.

3. Gift Card Scams

The Scam:

Gift cards are a holiday favourite but also a popular target for scammers. You may receive calls, emails, or messages asking you to pay for something using gift cards (e.g., paying off taxes and fees or unlocking a prize). Scammers may also tamper with gift cards in stores by scratching off the PIN or copying the codes, draining the balance before the recipient can use it.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never use gift cards for payment. Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay with gift cards.

• Inspect cards in-store. Ensure the PIN has not been scratched off or tampered with before purchasing.

• Keep your receipts. This can help you recover funds if the card has been compromised.

4. Fake Charity Scams

The Scam:

Scammers exploit the holiday spirit of giving by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones. They may contact you through phone calls, emails, or social media, urging you to donate to a cause (e.g., disaster relief, helping children, or supporting veterans). The money you donate ends up in the scammer’s pocket instead of helping those in need.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Do your research. Before donating, verify the charity through websites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Avoid pressure tactics. Legitimate charities won’t pressure you to donate immediately.

• Donate directly. Instead of clicking on links or responding to calls, go to the charity’s official website or contact them directly to make your donation.

5. Package Delivery Scams

The Scam:

With so many packages being shipped during the holidays, scammers send fake delivery notifications via email or text, claiming an issue with your shipment (e.g., a missed delivery or incorrect address). They may ask you to click a link to "reschedule" or "update" your information, leading to phishing sites or malware downloads.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Track packages carefully. You can use tracking numbers directly from the retailer or shipping company to monitor your deliveries.

• Don’t click on suspicious links. If you receive an unexpected message about a delivery, contact the shipping company directly.

• Please be careful with unfamiliar senders. Legitimate notifications will come from official sources, not random phone numbers or email addresses.

6. Social Media and Marketplace Scams

The Scam:

Scammers use social media platforms and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Instagram to sell fake products, offer fake giveaways, or promote fraudulent holiday deals. They often pretend to be legitimate sellers but disappear after receiving payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Meet in person for marketplace purchases. If you’re buying locally, meet in a safe, public place and examine the item before handing over money.

• Avoid upfront payments. Don’t pay via wire transfer, gift cards, or payment apps for items listed on social media or marketplaces. Use secure payment options like PayPal with buyer protection.

• You can watch for fake giveaways. If a giveaway asks for payment or personal information or requires you to share a post to "win," it’s likely a scam.

General Tips to Stay Safe During the Holidays

1. Monitor Your Accounts:
   Please check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Report suspicious activity immediately.

2. Use Strong Passwords:
   Protect your online accounts using unique, strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).

3. Shop Securely:
   Only shop on trusted websites and avoid using public Wi-Fi to make purchases. If you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN.

4. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages:
   Verify the source before responding if you receive a call, text, or email asking for personal information or payment.

5. Stay Informed:
   Scammers constantly evolve their methods. You can stay updated on the latest scams by following consumer protection websites like the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or your local equivalent.

Conclusion

The holidays are a time to celebrate, but they’re also a prime opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. By staying vigilant and following the tips above, you can protect yourself and enjoy the season without falling victim to holiday scams.

Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, take a step back, verify the source, and prioritize your safety over urgency.

Happy (and safe) holidays! 🎄

Here's To You! You Super Sleuth!

John Duncan

NB: I put a book together on Crypto Scams to be aware of. The link below is a genuine direct link to the book on Amazon. It's available here: THE BOOK LINK