5 Common Holiday Scams to Avoid During the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! That means it’s the most popular time of year for scammers to earn their stockings full of coal. Don’t ruin your holidays by falling victim to their empty presents and Grinch-like tricks.

1. Fake Shopping Sites

Holiday deals seem too good to be true? They probably are. Visa® warns that scam websites designed to look like real brands are becoming more common, tricking shoppers into sharing credit card details, paying for items that are poor quality or never actually shipping the items you buy. These fraudulent sites can be hard to spot, so it’s important to trust your instincts if something feels off. Be sure to do your research and verify websites directly by typing in the retailer’s URL instead of clicking ads or social media links.

2. Package Delivery Scams

During peak shipping season, scammers are sending fake “delivery problem” texts, pretending to be UPS or FedEx, to trick consumers into giving up their credit card information. These schemes surge during the holidays, when people shop online more frequently. Avoid clicking links in emails or texts from unknown senders and track delivery status directly with the shipping company.

3. “Extra Holiday Cash” Job Scams

Fake job offers often appear during the holidays when many people are looking for extra income, so scammers look to exploit that financial pressure. Only apply to jobs through official company channels or trusted sites and avoid any position that requires upfront fees. For example, being asked to pay for applications or background checks is a clear sign of a scam.

4. Travel Fraud

Scammers are also setting up fake travel sites and sending phishing emails to target holiday travelers, so it’s important to book only through trusted platforms. Check reviews and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

5. Holiday Charity Scams

Scammers are the real-life Grinches, taking advantage of year-end generosity by creating fake charities with convincing websites or in-person tap-to-donate schemes. Always research and verify any non-profit organization’s legitimacy before giving, and if a charity is pressuring you to make a donation, it’s most likely a scam.

Advancial uses robust security protocols and continuously monitors accounts for suspicious activity. By working together, we can keep your holiday shopping experience safe and fraud-free.