5 Scams to Avoid This Christmas
The holiday season brings joy, family time, and gift giving. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in scams that target people who are busy, distracted, or trying to save money. Scammers know shoppers are hunting for deals and feeling rushed, so they take advantage of the season. Here are five common Christmas scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself.
1. Fake Online Stores With Unrealistic Deals
Scammers create websites that look professional and offer unbelievable prices on popular items like gaming consoles, toys, and electronics. Once you place an order, the products never arrive, and your money is gone.
How to avoid it:
• Check reviews and ratings on trusted sites
• Make sure the URL starts with https
• If the price looks too good to be true, skip it
• Avoid shopping through random links on social media
2. Gift Card Scams at the Register
Some scammers tamper with gift cards found on store racks. They record the numbers, wait for someone to add money to the card, then drain the balance before the buyer even uses it.
How to avoid it:
• Choose gift cards kept behind the counter
• Check the scratch off code for signs of tampering
• Keep your receipt in case you need to report fraud
3. Fake Charity Requests
Scammers know people are more generous during the holidays. They send fake emails, texts, or phone calls asking for donations, often pretending to represent well known charities.
How to avoid it:
• Never donate through links sent to your phone or email
• Visit the charity’s official website directly
• Look for the organization in the IRS charity database
• Do not give out personal or financial information
4. Package Delivery Text Scams
You may receive a text saying a package failed to deliver, with a link to reschedule. These links often lead to phishing sites that steal your personal information or install malware.
How to avoid it:
• Do not click on delivery links from unknown numbers
• Check tracking directly on UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon
• Delete suspicious messages instead of replying
5. Social Media Giveaway Scams
Fake accounts often run holiday giveaways offering free gift cards, holiday baskets, or expensive electronics. They ask for your personal info to “confirm your win” or require a small fee to claim the prize.
How to avoid it:
• Ignore giveaways asking for payment
• Avoid giveaways asking for your address, bank info, or ID
• Verify the social media account’s authenticity
• Real giveaways never ask for sensitive details
Final Thought
Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration, not stress. Staying alert and recognizing common scams can keep your money safe and your holidays peaceful. If anything feels rushed, pressured, or unusually cheap, trust your instincts and step back. A few seconds of caution can save you from a costly mistake.
