When the holidays draw near in Hampton Roads, VA, it can be easy to get caught up in the spirit of the gift-giving season. But your generous mood is exactly what scammers are counting on. Protect your finances and personal information this season with these essential tips.
What are holiday scams?
Holiday scams are an attempt to get you to purchase specific services or items during the holiday season from someone posing as a business or charitable organization. Scammers may request payment or target sensitive data such as:
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Credit card numbers
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Birthdates
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Social Security numbers
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Other identifying information
These scams can appear via email, phone, or fake websites. Regardless of the method, they aim to deceive without delivering anything in return or even steal your identity.
Warning signs: How to spot the scam
Holiday scams can take many forms. However, they typically have similar warning signs and traits that make it possible to identify a scam, whether you’re viewing ads online or you’re on the receiving end of a suspicious phone call. These telltale signs include:
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Steep discounts: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially for high-demand gifts. Unrealistically low prices often signal scams.
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Poor spelling: Scammers often skip proofreading. Emails with typos or bad grammar can indicate phishing attempts aimed at stealing your information or infecting your device with malware.
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No contact information: Scammers often avoid providing a physical address or phone number. Before making an online purchase, check for this information to verify the company’s legitimacy and ensure you have a way to resolve any order issues.
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Promises of free products: Offers of freebies in exchange for personal details are often traps. Verify promotions directly on the company’s website by searching their name, not clicking links.
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Unsolicited emails or texts: Beware of unsolicited emails or texts prompting you to download apps or visit websites. These may contain malware that can compromise your personal information. Always avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Do
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Hover over links in emails to make sure they’re directing you to a business’s real website.
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If the URL looks funny or doesn’t direct you to a business you recognize, don’t click on it.
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Check each online store for return policies prior to making a purchase.
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Buy gift cards from trusted online retailers or directly from the business.
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Use your credit card for any online purchases to help protect your information.
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Research new-to-you companies and online retailers prior to using their services, and pay attention to any complaints or negative reviews online.
Don’t
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Don’t make online purchases using a public Wi-Fi connection or network that’s not password protected. Only make online purchases or charitable donations using your home’s secure Wi-Fi network.
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Don’t make online purchases using wire transfers or other non-traceable forms of payment.
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Don’t buy products through social media ads.
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Don’t click on links in emails.
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Always go to the company’s website directly.
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Don’t fall for deals that seem too good to be true.
What are some of the common holiday scams?
Though fraudsters and scammers are always coming up with new methods and tactics to prey on unsuspecting consumers, they typically repeat the same proven methods during the holiday season. Here are some of the common online holiday scams that consumers fall victim to each year:
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Phishing emails: Scammers use phishing emails to steal personal information for identity theft or fraud. Watch for unsolicited emails, such as fake shipping confirmations, offers for Santa letters, or false bank fraud alerts.
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Fake charities: Some scammers create “charities” to ask for money during the time of year when many people are feeling generous. Always research a charity and verify its legitimacy with your local Better Business Bureau before donating.
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Package theft: To prevent theft, schedule deliveries for times when someone is home, require a signature for high-value items, and monitor your front door. Consider installing a smart camera to track deliveries around your home.
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Fake shopping websites: Scammers often try to mimic the look of real online shops in an attempt to get you to spend money with them rather than with actual retailers. Always check the web address and avoid sites with prices that seem too good to be true. Do your research before making any purchase.
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Fake deals: Holiday shopping often brings a search for great deals, but beware of scams. Scammers use technology to create fake websites that mimic reputable businesses. They lure victims with deeply discounted items, requiring payment through money orders, wire transfers, or pre-loaded cards. Always verify a website’s legitimacy before making a purchase.
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Fraudulent gift cards: Another popular holiday scam is offering gift cards at a lower rate than you’d find in stores. Instead of selling actual gift cards, scammers may send expired or empty cards, or nothing at all, keeping your money. Always buy gift cards from trusted retailers or directly from the issuer.
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Temporary holiday jobs: Temporary holiday job scams target job seekers by posting fake listings to collect personal information. Always research the company and apply directly through its website to avoid sharing sensitive details with scammers.
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Vacations: Scammers often offer fake vacation deals to steal personal information. Be cautious of emails from fake travel agents or resorts with deals that seem too good to be true. Book only through reputable travel agents or websites.
Protect yourself and loved ones from holiday scams this season
By recognizing scams and staying cautious, you can keep your holidays safe and joyful. If a deal or communication seems suspicious, it’s best to avoid engaging. Protecting what matters most to you is our priority.
Cyber insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a data breach or cyber attack, helping individuals and businesses recover from the financial and reputational damage caused by cyber threats.
Contact Goodrich & Watson Insurers for advice or to review your insurance today!
