From Holiday Shopping to Tax Refunds: The Most Common Scams Rising with the Season and Calendar Change

As the year winds down, the shift in seasons and the approach of a new calendar year bring a unique set of opportunities for scammers. From holiday shopping deals to tax refund promises, scammers know how to exploit the seasonal changes in behavior, making the end of the year a prime time for various types of fraud. Understanding these common scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to their tactics. Here’s a look at the scams that tend to rise during this period and how you can safeguard yourself.

Scammer Calendar: A Year-Round Guide to Scams and Their Peak Times

Scammers are opportunistic, and their tactics often align with the seasonal behaviors, holidays, and events throughout the year. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you recognize when specific types of scams are most prevalent and how to stay vigilant throughout the year. Month Scam Type Description Peak Time How

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1. Holiday Shopping Scams: Fake Websites and Phishing Attacks

The holiday season is synonymous with shopping, both in stores and online. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for scams. Fake websites that mimic popular retailers or online stores pop up, luring shoppers with enticing deals that seem too good to be true. Phishing emails and text messages disguised as order confirmations or shipping notifications are also common, designed to steal personal information or spread malware.

Top Scams to Watch Out for as 2024 Comes to a Close: How to Protect Yourself During the Holiday Season

As the year draws to a close and we enter the holiday season, the excitement of festive celebrations, shopping deals, and charitable giving is at its peak. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings a spike in scams designed to exploit the goodwill, financial activities, and emotional vulnerabilities of people

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How to Protect Yourself:

• Shop Smart: Use trusted and reputable websites, and double-check URLs to ensure they are correct (look for "https" and a padlock icon).
• Verify Emails and Messages: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Instead, visit the retailer’s official website directly to check order statuses or delivery updates.
• Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, especially during busy shopping periods.

2. Charity Scams: Exploiting Holiday Generosity

The spirit of giving during the holiday season is another target for scammers. Fraudsters often pose as charitable organizations, using emotional appeals to solicit donations. They may create fake websites, make phone calls, or send emails and social media messages to trick people into giving money to causes that don’t exist.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Do Your Research: Before donating, research the charity using reliable platforms like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Be Cautious of High-Pressure Tactics: Legitimate charities will not rush or pressure you into making a donation. Be wary of urgent requests, especially those asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Donate Directly: Visit the charity’s official website to make a donation rather than clicking on links in emails or messages.

3. Travel Scams: Fake Deals and Nonexistent Reservations

As people plan trips to visit family or take holidays, travel scams increase. Scammers set up fake travel agency websites or post fraudulent ads offering discounted flights, hotel rooms, or vacation packages. Victims often pay upfront, only to find that their bookings are fake or non-existent.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Book Through Reputable Channels: Use well-known travel agencies or established online booking platforms. Read reviews and confirm bookings directly with the service providers.
• Avoid Payment by Wire Transfer or Cryptocurrency: Use credit cards for payment, as they offer fraud protection and chargeback options.

4. Gift Card Scams: A Favorite Tool for Fraudsters

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a common tool for scammers. Fraudsters may ask for payment in gift cards, claiming it's the only accepted method for urgent bills, ransom, or charitable donations. Additionally, scammers sell counterfeit or empty gift cards online.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never Pay with Gift Cards: Legitimate businesses and organizations will never ask for payments via gift cards. Be cautious of any unsolicited request asking for payment in this form.
• Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase gift cards directly from reputable retailers and avoid buying them from third-party sellers, especially online auctions or classified ads.

5. New Year’s Resolution Scams: Fake Products and Miracle Cures

As the year ends, many people set new goals, such as losing weight, getting fit, or learning new skills. Scammers capitalize on these common resolutions by promoting fake diet pills, fitness programs, or online courses. Victims may pay upfront for products or services that are ineffective or don’t exist.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research Before You Buy: Look up reviews and feedback from other customers. Be skeptical of offers that promise quick, unrealistic results or require immediate payment.
• Beware of Upfront Fees: Avoid any services or products requiring large upfront payments, especially if they lack a clear refund policy.

6. Tax Refund Scams: Prepping for the Tax Season Early

As the end of the year approaches, scammers begin targeting taxpayers, pretending to be IRS agents or tax preparers. They send phishing emails, make fake phone calls, or create fraudulent websites claiming there is an issue with your return or offering early refund opportunities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Know How the IRS Contacts Taxpayers: The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. Always verify any communication by contacting the IRS directly through their official website.
• Ignore Threats and Demands: Scammers often use threats of arrest or heavy fines to pressure you into immediate payment. Legitimate tax authorities do not use these tactics.

7. Investment Scams: Preying on Year-End Financial Planning

As people review their financial standing before the new year, scammers promote fake investment opportunities, particularly in high-risk or volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. They may use social media, emails, or even phone calls to lure victims into “get rich quick” schemes, often using fake testimonials or high-pressure sales tactics.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Approach any unsolicited investment offer with caution, especially those promising high returns with little or no risk.
• Do Your Due Diligence: Research the investment thoroughly, consult a financial advisor, and look for reviews or warnings on sites like the SEC’s Investor.gov.

8. New Year’s Eve Ticket Scams: Fake Events and Counterfeit Tickets

New Year’s Eve is a popular time for celebrations, and scammers often exploit this by selling fake tickets to events, concerts, or parties. Victims may pay for counterfeit tickets or arrive at an event only to find out it doesn’t exist.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Purchase Tickets from Reputable Vendors: Always buy tickets from the event organizer or reputable ticketing websites. Avoid third-party sellers on social media or classified ads.
• Check for Refund Policies: Ensure there is a clear refund policy in place, especially for high-demand events.

9. Fake Subscription Renewal Scams: Impersonating Trusted Services

Scammers send fake renewal notices for popular services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or antivirus software, claiming that your subscription is about to expire. These notices often urge immediate action to renew and provide fake links that steal personal information or lead to fraudulent payments.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Directly with the Provider: Always log in to your account through the service’s official website to check your subscription status.
• Ignore Unsolicited Requests: Be wary of unsolicited emails or calls demanding immediate payment or personal details for subscription renewals.

Why Scams Increase with the Season and Calendar Change

The end of the year is a unique period that combines several factors that create opportunities for scammers:

• Increased Financial Activity: People are shopping more, making travel arrangements, donating to charities, and preparing for tax season, all of which involve sharing personal and financial information.
• High Emotional Engagement: The holidays can be emotionally charged, making individuals more vulnerable to scams that play on their generosity, urgency, or loneliness.
• New Year’s Resolutions: Many individuals seek to make changes in their lives, such as losing weight, learning new skills, or investing money, providing scammers with a wide range of targets.

Stay Vigilant: Protect Yourself as the Year Ends

To protect yourself from these scams, stay informed, practice skepticism, and be cautious with your personal and financial information. Here are some general tips:

• Keep Updated on the Latest Scams: Follow reliable sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and Scamwatch (Australia) for regular updates on scam trends.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for credit cards or other secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
• Enable Security Features: Use multi-factor authentication for your accounts, keep your software up to date, and monitor your financial statements regularly.

By staying vigilant and understanding these common scams, you can help ensure a safer and more secure transition into the new year. Stay informed, protect your personal information, and enjoy the holiday season without the fear of falling victim to fraud.