Although the holiday season is a time for spreading joy, it can also be a time of distress when people fall victim to scams. Scammers may use online, phone, or in-person communication methods to contact people and carry out their schemes. It is important to understand why scams are more common during the holidays and how to avoid them.
Why Scams Are Common During the Holidays
A key reason why scammers prefer the holiday season for their criminal activity is that people are busy. Since busy people are often distracted, scammers can catch them off guard. Many scammers create a sense of urgency for these busy shoppers by offering limited-time discounts or deals. This causes people to make purchases quickly. People are also more willing to spend a considerable amount of money during the holidays. When you combine that with a frenzied shopping period, it is easy to see why scammers target people more during this time of the year.
Tips for Avoiding Holiday Scams
Stay vigilant during the holiday season. These are some ways to identify scams.
Be Wary of Emails and Links
Phishing emails look like they are from trusted sources. However, there are often misspelled or awkward words. Scammers use these emails to create fake sales or special offers, and they often advertise popular products. They may also create emails that say there are shipping, delivery, or payment problems with an order. People may read these and feel distressed. Emails usually include links to sites that collect payment or personal information. Always click on the sender’s name to see the email address that sent the correspondence. For any special offers, visit the company’s official website without clicking email links.
Use Secure Websites
Be sure that “https://” appears at the beginning of the URL in your browser. There should be a small lock symbol next to it. When you shop online, avoid using public Wi-Fi.
Beware of Phenomenal Deals
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers usually offer high-demand products for prices that are much lower than what others offer. Always research companies or sellers before making a purchase.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Scammers can steal bank and credit card information to misuse. Look for unauthorized transactions on credit cards and bank statements. Set up account alerts if there is an option to do so. If there are any suspicious transactions, be sure to report them to the financial institution immediately. Acting quickly can limit damage and prevent further misuse.
Guard Your Personal Information
Never share your address, full name, financial information, or phone number on unknown sites. Also, avoid sharing this information on social media. For extra security, use two-factor authentication for any online accounts.
Falling victim to scams can impact your credit score. It can also lead to identity theft and many expenses. Scammers can increase your debt by causing financial losses, fees, and higher interest rates. Following the above tips will limit your risks, and ensure your holiday season is filled with joy.
