It’s finally Thanksgiving week, and while many of us are excited for multiple plates on Thursday and sales on Black Friday, the scammers are gearing up to roll out their plots. The holiday season is prime time for these fraudsters to prey on your generosity, excitement, and—let’s be honest—your occasional distracted shopping habits. From fake charities tugging at your heartstrings to sneaky schemes targeting your online orders, the grifters are out in full force, ready to steal your hard-earned holiday cheer.
To keep your festivities joyful and your bank account intact, let’s break down 10 holiday scams you need to watch out for this season and how to outsmart them.
1. Fake Charity Scams
Nothing tugs at your heartstrings like a plea to help others during the holidays. Unfortunately, scammers know this all too well. They’ll create fake charities or pose as legitimate organizations, using emails, phone calls, or even social media to solicit donations.
Avoid the Trap: Before donating, verify the organization on Charity Navigator or look for its official tax ID. Never give in to high-pressure tactics.
2. E-Gift Card Fraud
Gift cards are a go-to holiday present, but scammers are cashing in too. They sell discounted cards on shady websites, but when you buy them, the cards are either invalid or already used.
Stay Safe: Always purchase gift cards directly from trusted retailers or their official websites.
3. Delivery Scams
Did you get a text or email saying your package couldn’t be delivered? Scammers are banking on holiday shopping chaos to trick you into clicking phishing links disguised as delivery updates.
What to Do: Check tracking details directly on the retailer or carrier’s official site. Don’t click links in unsolicited messages.
4. Holiday Job Offers
Looking for some extra cash during the holidays? Scammers post fake job listings offering quick money but will request personal information or banking details upfront.
The Red Flag: A legit employer won’t ask for your Social Security number, credit card info, or fees to apply.
5. Social Media Gift Exchanges
This scam promises you’ll receive multiple gifts in exchange for sending one, often under the guise of a holiday “gift exchange.” In reality, it’s just a fancy pyramid scheme that leaves you empty-handed.
The Reality: Not only is this a scam, but it’s illegal in many areas. Stick to exchanging gifts with people you know and trust.
6. Fake Event Tickets
Holiday concerts, ice skating events, or pop-up winter wonderlands are all the rage—but scammers are selling counterfeit or nonexistent tickets online.
How to Spot It: Only purchase tickets from verified platforms like Ticketmaster or Eventbrite. Be cautious if a deal seems too good to be true.
7. Romance or Travel Scams
Whether you’re feeling lonely or dreaming of a holiday getaway, scammers exploit your emotions. They’ll sweet-talk you on dating sites or sell you a fake vacation package, only to disappear once they get your money.
Protect Yourself: Avoid sending money to anyone you haven’t met in person. Research travel deals thoroughly before booking.
8. Lookalike Retail Websites
Everyone loves a good holiday sale, but scammers create fake online stores with unbelievable discounts. Once you pay, your item either never arrives, or you receive a knock-off product.
Stay Alert: Check for HTTPS in the site’s URL and read customer reviews. Bad grammar or weird formatting on a site is usually a red flag.
9. Fake Freebies and Contests
“Congratulations! You’ve won a free iPhone, vacation, or gift card!” These scams entice you to hand over personal information or pay bogus fees to claim your “prize.”
Don’t Fall for It: Legitimate giveaways don’t ask for payment. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
10. Porch Pirates and Package Theft
While not technically a scam, thieves are keeping tabs on delivery trucks and snatching packages off porches at an alarming rate.
Beat Them at Their Game: Use secure delivery options like Amazon lockers or install a video doorbell to keep an eye on your packages.
Stay Scam-Savvy This Holiday Season
The best way to outsmart holiday scammers is to stay skeptical. Take a moment before clicking, sharing personal information, or making payments. This season is all about giving, not losing, so keep your holiday cheer intact by staying one step ahead of the hustlers. 🎄
