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6 holiday scams you need to know about
Whoa, we blinked and it’s mid-November! The days are shorter, your to-do list is longer, and scammers are ready to catch you off guard. Luckily, you’ve got me on your side with the top holiday scams.
📲 ‘Hi, I’m calling from Amazon’
Criminals and AI voice bots are calling, emailing and texting, claiming to be Amazon employees. Oh, no, your account is on hold! Or there’s been suspicious activity you need to deal with now. They’ll ask you for your payment info — that’s a glaring red flag.
Stay safe: Only put payment details for Amazon directly into the website or the official app. If you get one of those calls, hang up and Google the phone number. I bet you’ll see reports from others who got the same call.
💻 An offer you can’t refuse
There’s an email in your inbox from Macy’s, and whoa! Everything is 50% to 70% off! Click the link, head to the site and all looks normal. Once you check out, though, you’re in big trouble.
Scammers use real brand assets (like logos, fonts and photos) to make you think Macy’s or another big retailer is having a major holiday sale. Then, they direct you to a site that looks like the real thing … but it’s not.
Stay safe: Always, always triple-check the URL. If you’re not sure of a retailer’s website, search in your browser, but don’t click any sponsored results. Type in the address yourself if you know it.
📦 Your package can’t be delivered
You receive a text or email saying your order is stuck at a shipping center. With all the online shopping we do, you probably don’t remember every purchase. Click on the link they sent you and you’re well on your way to a phishing scam.
Stay safe: FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service will never text you from an unknown number. If you’re worried about a delivery, call the shipping company directly. In emails, watch out for any subtle misspellings in the email address or the sender’s name. Block and report anything fishy.
🤑 The fake seasonal job
Lots of retailers and shipping companies hire in droves this time of year. Make sure any job postings you apply to or send to loved ones are legit.
Stay safe: UPS, Amazon, FedEx, Target and the rest are probably hiring, but they won’t make initial contact with you directly. Go to their websites and find the “Careers” section to apply.
✈️ A ticket to nowhere
Whoa, you found an amazing deal on an all-inclusive trip to a city on your bucket list. Hurry! It’s only available for a few more hours! You guessed it: It’s a scam. Criminals know at this time of year, you’re busy and might be too excited about a bargain to notice their tricks.
Stay safe: Only book through travel sites you’ve heard of and trust. If you go through an agency, call the airline and hotel directly with your confirmation number. Make sure your trip is confirmed, not just reserved.
🎁 ‘We need your help’
Feeling generous? Every nonprofit organization is looking for donations to end the year strong. They’ll sweeten the deal by reminding you your generosity is tax-deductible.
Stay safe: Use a site that ranks charities and whether they deserve your money. BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator can give you a good feel for a charity’s financial health, accountability and transparency. Pro tip: I only donate through GoFundMe when it’s someone I know; there are just too many scams.
😂 A guy walks into a bar and notices a money jar on the counter. “What’s that for?” he asks. “We’re raising funds to help golfers who absolutely hate putting,” the bartender replies. “Feel free to chip in.”
Tags: Amazon, cybercrime, gift cards, Google, holiday scams, job postings, retailers, scams, shopping
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