The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also bring a surge in scams and identity theft. As students and families shop for gifts, travel, and manage holiday stress, fraudsters are out in full force looking to exploit unsuspecting victims. To help protect yourself, here are seven tips for avoiding scams and securing your personal information this season.
1. Exercise Caution When Shopping Online
Online shopping continues to be a hotspot for scams. According to the Better Business Bureau’s 2023 report, online shopping fraud resulted in financial losses for 82% of victims. To avoid falling victim, steer clear of less reputable platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where transactions often lack purchase protections. Use traceable payment methods such as PayPal or Venmo and avoid gift cards or wire transfers. Watch out for “too good to be true” deals, especially for high-demand items like gaming consoles, which could be bait for scam websites.
2. Watch Out for Phony Delivery Scams
With the holiday rush, scammers frequently impersonate delivery services, particularly the U.S. Postal Service, to steal personal information. These scams often involve fake tracking links sent via text or email. Never click on unsolicited links; instead, track packages directly through official delivery websites. If you receive a suspicious message, verify it before taking any action.
3. Secure Your Passwords
Ensure your accounts are safe by using unique passwords for each one. Password managers can help generate and store complex passwords. Additionally, enable multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, particularly for financial accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity with something other than just your password, such as a fingerprint or one-time code.
4. Check for Skimming Devices
When shopping in-store, be vigilant for card-skimming devices attached to ATMs or card readers. These devices secretly capture card details for later use. Skimming is a serious concern, costing consumers and banks billions each year. Always inspect card readers for unusual attachments before swiping or inserting your card. Consider using contactless payments or paying in cash to reduce the risk.
5. Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in coffee shops or airports, are not secure and can expose you to hackers. Never enter sensitive information, such as credit card details or login credentials, while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for an added layer of protection.
6. Steer Clear of “Get-Rich-Quick” Job Offers
Holiday advertisements promising easy money, such as “work from home” jobs that offer hefty paychecks, often turn out to be scams. Many of these schemes involve illegal activities, such as money mule operations, where you’re unknowingly involved in transferring stolen funds. To avoid these scams, stick to reputable job platforms or seek out seasonal positions from well-known companies.
7. Verify Charitable Donations
The holiday season also sees an uptick in fake charity scams. Fraudsters often pose as charitable organizations to steal donations. Before donating, verify the organization’s legitimacy by visiting its official website or checking it on sites like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch. Avoid making donations based on unsolicited calls or emails.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a prime time for fraudsters, but by staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Take the necessary precautions to enjoy a safe, secure, and stress-free holiday season.
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