The holiday season is a time for giving, celebration, and, unfortunately, an uptick in scams targeting consumers. With online shopping, social media promotions, and the rush to secure gifts, cybercriminals exploit seasonal spending to trick unsuspecting shoppers. This blog will guide you through the most common holiday scams and provide tips on staying safe. From phishing emails to fake charities, we’ll cover the red flags to watch out for and how PC Matic can help keep you and your loved ones scam-free.

Holiday Scam Red Flags

1. Shopping Scams

Online shopping is more popular than ever, but it also brings risks. Fraudsters create lookalike online stores that mimic legitimate retailers. They’ll advertise irresistible deals on social media or through phishing emails, but once you enter your credit card information, they take your money without delivering a product. Watch for red flags like strange URLs, misspellings, or poor website design, as these can indicate a scam. Use trusted retailers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

2. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular holiday present, but scammers have found ways to exploit them. Some tricks include selling fake cards or asking for gift card payments, which can’t be traced like credit cards. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment in gift cards, especially through unexpected phone calls or emails. Only buy gift cards directly from stores or verified websites to ensure they’re legitimate.

3. Delivery Scams

With increased holiday shopping comes a spike in package deliveries—and delivery scams. Scammers will send fake delivery notifications pretending to be from well-known carriers like FedEx or Amazon, claiming there’s an issue with your package and requesting payment or sensitive information to “release” it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns of these common scams, especially those that come via phishing emails or text messages. Real delivery services won’t ask for personal contact information in this manner, so double-check notifications before you click.

4. Fake Charity Scams

The holidays inspire people to give, but scammers take advantage of this goodwill. Fake charity scams often appear as phone calls, emails, or social media posts asking for donations. They may use lookalike names or websites that seem legitimate but divert money from real charities. Always research a charity before donating, and remember that legitimate charities don’t ask for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or debit card details, over the phone.

5. Social Media Scams

Social media is rife this time of year, from fake promotions to malicious apps. Fraudsters may create ads that look like special holiday sales from well-known retailers but lead to bogus sites instead. They may also promote fake giveaways, asking you to enter sensitive information or download apps that steal data. Be wary of any offers shared through social media, and always verify deals by visiting the retailer’s official website.

6. Phishing Emails

Holiday-themed phishing emails are another common scam tactic. Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate retailers, offering discounts or requesting updates to your account information. Identify phishing emails by misspellings, generic greetings, and requests for personal or financial information. The FBI warns against clicking links in suspicious emails, which could lead to fake websites or install malware on your device.

7. Bank Account Scams

Scammers may call pretending to be your bank, claiming suspicious activity, and urging you to verify your account. They often ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number or wire transfer details, which they use to access your accounts. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, your bank will never request sensitive information over the phone. Hang up if in doubt and call your bank using the official phone number.

8. Identity Theft Scams

Identity theft is a year-round threat but increases this time of year as people shop online and use various apps. Scammers might steal your sensitive information through fake websites, emails, or even compromised apps. Be wary of sharing personal information online, and use secure websites (with “https” in the URL) for online shopping. Monitor your credit card and bank statements for suspicious transactions, as early detection is key to minimizing damage.

Tips for Staying Safe from Holiday Scams

Check Retailer Authenticity:

Stick to familiar retailers or verify the legitimacy of new ones by looking up reviews or using the Better Business Bureau.

Beware of Lookalike URLs:

Scammers use URLs that closely resemble legitimate websites, often with minor misspellings or added words.

Scrutinize Emails and Notifications:

Be cautious of phony emails or texts claiming issues with your account, deliveries, or payments.

Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information:

Reputable organizations won’t ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number or account information via email, phone, or text.

Watch for Red Flags on Social Media:

Ignore too-good-to-be-true offers or ads that redirect you to untrusted sites.

Verify Charity Names:

Cross-check charities on legitimate sites or resources like Charity Navigator before donating.

How PC Matic Can Help Prevent Holiday Scams

PC Matic’s advanced cybersecurity solutions are designed to protect users from the growing array of online scams during the holiday season. Here’s how PC Matic can help:

Real-Time Threat Detection:

PC Matic uses a unique whitelist approach, allowing only trusted programs to run and blocking suspicious ones, which helps prevent malicious apps or websites from compromising your device.

Phishing Protection:

Users are shielded from phishing attempts via email and websites as it helps block access to known phishing sites.

Identity Theft Prevention:

PC Matic minimizes the risk of personal data theft by blocking harmful programs and alerting users to suspicious websites.

Automated Updates:

PC Matic keeps your software and security measures up-to-date, ensuring you have the latest protections against new threats during peak shopping seasons.

Browser Protection:

PC Matic’s security features protect users from inadvertently downloading malware from fake websites or compromised links on social media.

What to Do and How to Report if You Fall Victim to a Holiday Scam

If you or a family member discover you’ve fallen victim to a holiday scam, act quickly to limit the potential damage and alert others. Start by contacting your bank or credit card provider to report the fraudulent activity, freeze your account, and dispute unauthorized charges. Then, notify the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your accounts, which can help safeguard your identity. Next, report the scam to government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which track scams and help law enforcement address cybercrime. Many state consumer protection offices also work with local law enforcement to address scams, so notifying them can provide additional support. Taking these steps promptly can help protect your financial security and contribute to the broader government effort to combat holiday scams.

This holiday season, stay alert and informed. With PC Matic’s comprehensive protection and your vigilance, you can enjoy a safer shopping experience. Avoid the red flags, keep your personal information secure, and let PC Matic keep potential scams at bay so you can focus on what matters most—celebrating the holidays with peace of mind.

Holiday Shopping Cybersecurity Tips

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, cybercrime. With more people shopping online, cybercriminals find new ways to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Retired FBI Agent Scott Augenbaum, a cybersecurity expert, shares his top six tips to help you stay safe while shopping this holiday season.