As we approach the holiday season, a time filled with festive shopping and exciting deals, it's also the prime hunting ground for cybercriminals. According to the Federal Trade Commission, shopping scams were among the most widespread fraud types in the U.S. last year, and the number of online scams only increases around holidays. TransUnion’s 2022 Global Digital Fraud Trends report noted a massive 127% spike in fraud attempts during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period.
With an uptick in shopping activity, cybercriminals are capitalizing on the season. The sense of urgency to grab a deal or meet gift deadlines can lead to hasty decisions, making consumers more vulnerable. Norton’s 2022 Cyber Safety Insights Report even found that 32% of adults admitted to taking more online shopping risks closer to the holidays. Common missteps include clicking on unverified links, shopping over public Wi-Fi, and ignoring security warnings.
To help you stay protected, we’re highlighting six of the most common holiday scams and tips on how to avoid falling victim.
- Fake Coupons: Too Good to Be True
Fake coupons are one of the simplest ways scammers lure unsuspecting shoppers. Often, these coupons promise substantial discounts that are hard to resist and are circulated via email, social media, or websites designed to mimic major retailers.
How to Avoid: Verify coupons by visiting the retailer’s official website or app. Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails, and when in doubt, go directly to the source. - Phony Websites: Deceptively Real
Cybercriminals frequently create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate online stores, using similar logos, branding, and URLs. These sites are designed to collect your personal and financial information.
How to Avoid: Before making a purchase, check for HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates a secure website. Search for reviews and check the URL for any unusual characters or spelling errors that may signal a fake.
- Delivery and Non-delivery Scams
Scammers know that holiday shoppers expect multiple deliveries, so they take advantage by sending fake delivery notifications. These messages often claim a package is undeliverable or prompt you to click a link to resolve an issue.
How to Avoid: Track your orders directly through the retailer’s official website or app, and be wary of unsolicited messages with suspicious links. Always double-check the source before clicking on any delivery notification.
- “Order Issue” Phishing Scams
Scammers often impersonate well-known retailers, sending emails claiming there's a problem with your order. These emails ask you to provide personal information or payment details to resolve the issue.
How to Avoid: Contact the retailer’s customer service directly through their official website to confirm any issues with your order. Avoid providing personal details through links in unsolicited messages.
- Account Verification Scams
Account verification scams come as emails or texts requesting you to verify your account. These messages often contain links that lead to fake login pages where scammers capture your login information.
How to Avoid: Avoid logging in through links provided in unsolicited messages. Instead, go to the website directly and log in to your account securely. - Gift Card Scams: Too Much of a Deal
During the holidays, scammers often sell “discounted” gift cards or ask for payment in the form of gift cards. Once you share the gift card details, they use up the balance, leaving you with nothing.
How to Avoid: Only purchase gift cards directly from reputable retailers. Never send gift card information as a form of payment to unknown individuals or websites.
Safer Shopping Tips for a Scam-Free Holiday Season
Shopping scams can quickly ruin the holiday spirit, turning exciting purchases into major financial losses. To stay safe this season, remember these best practices:
- Verify Sources: Only shop through trusted websites or official apps.
- Check Website Security: Look for HTTPS in the URL and a padlock symbol.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: Shopping over public networks can expose your data to hackers.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Links: Avoid clicking links in emails or texts that look suspicious.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from common holiday scams and keep your festive spirit intact. Happy (and safe) holiday shopping!
