Stay Scam-Savvy This Holiday Season: Protect Yourself from the Latest Holiday Scams

As we dive into the holiday season, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of gift shopping, travel plans, and seasonal festivities. But amidst the joy, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts to trick consumers. Holiday scams are nothing new, but fraudsters continue to create new methods every year to catch people off guard. This season, U.S. Eagle is here to help you stay vigilant and protect your financial wellbeing.

Here are some of the latest scams to watch out for this holiday season, along with tips to keep your money safe:

1. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards remain a favorite holiday gift, and scammers know it. In the latest twist, scammers are contacting people pretending to be loved ones or even work colleagues, asking them to buy gift cards as a “favor” or as part of a “holiday surprise.” They may even make it sound like it’s a last-minute holiday gift emergency, hoping you’ll act quickly without thinking.

Protect Yourself: Never purchase gift cards based on a phone call, email, or text. If you receive an unexpected message asking for gift cards, verify the request by contacting the person directly. Also, avoid purchasing gift cards from unsecured websites or suspicious sellers.

2. Fake Holiday Charity Scams

The season of giving brings out generosity—but unfortunately, it also brings out fake charities. Scammers have created highly realistic websites and social media ads to mimic well-known charities or fabricate entirely new ones, all in hopes of collecting donations. These fake sites can be especially convincing, with heartfelt stories or urgent calls for donations.

Protect Yourself: Verify charities through reputable platforms like Charity Navigator or the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search tool before making any donations. If you’re asked to donate through email or social media, be cautious and do your research first.

3. Phishing Attacks and Bogus Shipping Notifications

Scammers are leveraging our dependency on online shopping and deliveries by sending fake shipping notifications or delivery issues via email and text. These messages look like they’re from legitimate retailers or delivery companies, but they contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information.

Protect Yourself: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages claiming issues with a delivery. Instead, go directly to the official website of the retailer or shipping company and check your order status there. Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information through a shipping update.

4. Social Media Shopping Scams

Scrolling through social media, you’ll likely see an abundance of holiday deals or exclusive offers. While some are legitimate, others lead to fraudulent websites that mimic real retailers or offer items that don’t actually exist. Once you “purchase,” your money is gone, and you may never receive the item—or worse, scammers have your credit card information.

Protect Yourself: Stick to trusted websites or official retailer accounts when shopping online. Be cautious with ads offering deep discounts or products that seem too good to be true. Before making a purchase, look for customer reviews, check the website’s URL, and research the company.

5. Fake Holiday Job Offers

As more people look for seasonal work, scammers are offering fake job postings that require applicants to pay upfront for “supplies” or provide sensitive information. These scams often target those in need of extra income, promising high pay for minimal work—like package handling or online customer service—when in reality, they’re only after personal information and money.

Protect Yourself: Be wary of job offers that require upfront fees or requests for sensitive personal information before any actual job interview. Use legitimate job search sites and verify the company before applying.

6. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Scams

The popularity of apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App has led to new fraud schemes, with scammers requesting holiday payments or reimbursements through these platforms. Some scammers create fake “sales” on social media for discounted items or holiday rentals, asking for payment through P2P services—only to disappear once they’ve received the funds.

Protect Yourself: Avoid using P2P apps for transactions with people you don’t know personally and double-check the recipient’s details before sending money. Remember, these apps are best used for trusted contacts, as most P2P platforms don’t offer purchase protection.

Quick Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

• Be Skeptical: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take a moment to pause and assess any unexpected messages or deals.
• Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your online shopping accounts are secured with strong, unique passwords to avoid unauthorized access.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For extra security, activate 2FA on accounts where possible, including your bank and major shopping sites.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately.

U.S. Eagle Is Here to Help Protect Your Financial Wellbeing

At U.S. Eagle, we’re committed to helping our members stay protected. If you encounter a suspicious transaction or need advice on handling a potential scam, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We want your holidays to be filled with joy and peace of mind—knowing that your financial wellbeing is safe and secure.