How to Avoid Holiday Shopping Scams
The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers. As online shopping surges and digital deals flood our screens, fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, using AI, fake websites, and social media ads to trick even the savviest shoppers.
Whether you’re a consumer hunting for gifts or a business preparing for peak sales, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
Fake Online Stores
Scammers create realistic-looking websites that mimic popular retailers. These sites often advertise luxury goods or electronics at steep discounts to lure shoppers in.
Red flags:
- Unfamiliar URLs or misspelled brand names
- No contact information or vague return policies
- Requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency
Social Media Ad Scams
Fraudsters may use stolen logos and polished designs to promote fake products or stores. Always verify the seller before clicking on an ad. Visit the retailer’s official website directly instead of following embedded links.
Phishing Emails and Texts
Scammers send fake order confirmations, shipping updates, or urgent requests for payment. These messages often impersonate trusted companies like Amazon, USPS, or PayPal.
Don’t click on links in unsolicited text messages. Instead, log in to your account directly through the company’s official site.
Gift Card Scams
Scammers may ask you to pay for items or bills using gift cards. Others tamper with physical cards in stores, stealing the codes before they’re purchased. Only buy gift cards from trusted retailers and never use them as a form of payment for goods or services.
Fake Marketplace Listings
On platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, scammers post attractive deals on high-demand items. After payment, the item never arrives. Use secure payment methods and avoid transactions with sellers who refuse to meet in person or provide verifiable details.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Shop smart: Stick to reputable retailers and check for HTTPS and a lock icon in your browser.
- Use credit cards: They offer better fraud protection than debit cards or peer-to-peer apps.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN or secure network when shopping online.
- Enable alerts: Set up transaction notifications with your bank to monitor suspicious activity.
Scammers thrive on urgency, distraction, and emotional decision-making, three things that are all too common during the holidays. Whether you’re buying gifts or running a business, a few extra seconds of caution can save you from costly mistakes.
Let’s make this season joyful and scam-free. If you suspect fraud or need help securing your accounts, reach out to Choice Bank. We’re here to help.