Holiday Scams to Watch Out For: Timing and Tactics Scammers Use to Target You Early

As the holiday season approaches, excitement for celebrations, shopping, travel, and gift-giving fills the air. Unfortunately, scammers see this time of year as a golden opportunity to exploit the increased online activity, emotional engagement, and financial transactions. Holiday scams often begin much earlier than the actual holiday, catching people off-guard while they are still planning and preparing. Understanding the timing and tactics of these scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself throughout the season. Here are the most common holiday scams to watch out for and when they typically start.

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. Online Shopping Scams: Starting as Early as October

Description: Scammers create fake websites or online stores that mimic popular retailers, offering deals that seem too good to be true. They heavily advertise these sites via social media or email campaigns, especially targeting hot holiday items such as electronics, toys, and fashion. Victims pay for products that are never delivered or receive counterfeit or substandard goods.

Timing: October through December
Scammers start early, often before Halloween, to catch early-bird shoppers looking for holiday deals or Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Shop Smart: Use trusted and reputable websites or well-known e-commerce platforms. Verify the website's URL to ensure it is secure (look for "https" and a padlock icon).
• Beware of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If the prices are unbelievably low, research the seller, and check reviews before making a purchase.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid using wire transfers or payment methods that don’t offer buyer protection. Credit cards or payment services like PayPal provide added security.

2. Fake Charity Scams: Ramping Up in November

Description: Scammers impersonate legitimate charities or create fake ones, taking advantage of the holiday season’s spirit of giving. They often solicit donations through phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media campaigns. These scams exploit goodwill by using emotional appeals or urgent messages to encourage quick donations.

Timing: Early November through December
Scammers ramp up their efforts around Thanksgiving and continue through December, targeting people looking to make year-end charitable contributions.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Before Donating: Research charities using platforms like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Avoid donating to charities you’ve never heard of or those that cannot provide detailed information about their mission and activities.
• 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 unconventional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Donate Directly: Visit the charity’s official website to make a donation rather than clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages.

3. Travel Scams: Targeting Holiday Travelers from September Onwards

Description: Many people travel during the holiday season, and scammers capitalize on this by creating fake travel websites or offering fraudulent deals on flights, hotels, or vacation rentals. Victims may pay upfront for services that don’t exist or arrive at their destination only to find that their accommodation was never booked.

Timing: September through December
Scammers start targeting travelers as early as September, focusing on those planning ahead for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s trips.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Book Through Reputable Channels: Use well-known travel agencies or established online booking platforms. Always check reviews and verify offers directly with the airline, hotel, or vacation rental company.
• Avoid Payment by Wire Transfer or Cryptocurrency: Use credit cards for payment, as they offer fraud protection and chargeback options.
• Verify Contact Information: Check for customer service numbers and addresses on the booking site and confirm their authenticity.

4. Gift Card Scams: Starting as Early as November

Description: Scammers target gift cards in multiple ways. They may sell counterfeit or empty gift cards online, or they may request payment for fake bills, fines, or services in the form of gift cards. These scams are particularly common during the holiday season when gift cards are popular presents.

Timing: November through December
Scammers start pushing gift card scams early in November, as people begin buying gifts or preparing for Black Friday deals.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Purchase Gift Cards from Trusted Retailers: Buy gift cards directly from the issuing retailer or authorized stores. Avoid third-party sellers, especially on online marketplaces or classified ads.
• Never Pay with Gift Cards: No legitimate organization or company will ask for payments via gift cards. If someone requests this, it is likely a scam.
• Check the Card Balance: Before purchasing, ensure that the gift card has not been tampered with and check the balance.

5. Holiday E-Card Scams: Popping Up from November

Description: Scammers send e-cards that contain malicious links or attachments. When opened, these links can download malware onto your device, potentially stealing personal information or compromising your security.

Timing: November through December
These scams begin as soon as the holiday season approaches, often ramping up around Thanksgiving.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only Open E-Cards from Known Senders: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments if the sender is unfamiliar or if anything seems suspicious.
• Use Antivirus Software: Make sure your device has up-to-date antivirus protection to help detect and block malicious content.

6. New Year’s Resolution Scams: Gearing Up in December

Description: As the year ends, many people set new goals, such as losing weight, getting fit, or learning new skills. Scammers take advantage of these common resolutions by promoting fake diet pills, fitness programs, or online courses that require upfront payment or subscription fees.

Timing: December through January
Scammers start promoting these scams in December, capitalizing on people's desire to start fresh in the new year.

How to Protect Yourself:

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

7. New Year’s Eve Event Ticket Scams: Kicking Off in November

Description: As people plan to celebrate the New Year, scammers sell fake tickets to popular New Year’s Eve parties, concerts, or events. Victims may pay for counterfeit tickets or arrive at an event only to find out it doesn’t exist.

Timing: November through December
These scams begin as early as November when people start planning their New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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.

8. Delivery Scams: Phishing for Personal Information from November

Description: With a surge in package deliveries during the holiday season, scammers send phishing emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate delivery services (like FedEx, UPS, or USPS). These messages claim there is an issue with your delivery and ask for personal information or payment to resolve it.

Timing: November through December
Delivery scams increase significantly as holiday shopping picks up in November and continue through the end of the year.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Before Clicking: Never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, visit the delivery service’s official website and enter the tracking number provided by the sender.
• Beware of Unusual Requests: Legitimate delivery services will not ask for payment or personal information via email or text message. Be wary of any such requests and report suspicious communications to the service provider.

9. Secret Shopper Scams: Rising from October

Description: Scammers offer fake secret shopper positions, sending fraudulent checks to victims and asking them to wire money to evaluate money transfer services. They often promise easy money for simple tasks, making the offer seem enticing.

Timing: October through January
These scams begin in October, targeting those looking for extra income during the holiday shopping season.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Know the Signs of a Legitimate Secret Shopper Job: Real secret shopper jobs do not require upfront payments or wire transfers. Verify any offers directly with known companies.
• Research the Company: Check for reviews or complaints about the company offering the secret shopper position.

Scammers don't just take advantage of the major end-of-year holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's; they also exploit other holidays and events throughout the year when people are more likely to spend money, travel, or engage in certain activities. Here’s a look at other key holidays and special occasions that scammers target and the tactics they use to deceive unsuspecting victims.

Scams Around Other Holidays Throughout the Year

1. Valentine’s Day Scams: Romance and Gift Frauds

Description: Valentine’s Day is a prime time for romance scams, where scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to establish relationships with their victims. Once trust is built, they fabricate emergencies or personal crises and ask for money or gifts. Additionally, scammers create fake online flower shops, jewelry stores, or gift sites offering Valentine's Day deals that either deliver substandard products or nothing at all.

Timing: Late January through February
Scammers ramp up their efforts as early as January, targeting those who may feel lonely or are seeking a romantic connection.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be Cautious with Online Relationships: Be wary of individuals who quickly profess love or ask for financial help. Avoid sending money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.
• Verify Online Gift Shops: Purchase flowers, chocolates, and other gifts from reputable retailers. Check for reviews and ensure the website is secure (look for “https” and a padlock icon).

2. St. Patrick’s Day Scams: Fake Party Tickets and Merchandise

Description: Scammers take advantage of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations by selling fake tickets to popular events, such as pub crawls, parades, and parties. They may also create counterfeit merchandise or sell low-quality “Irish” products online, which are either overpriced or never delivered.

Timing: Early March
These scams usually start in early March, as people begin making plans for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Buy Tickets from Reputable Sources: Only purchase event tickets from official organizers or trusted ticketing platforms. Avoid third-party sellers on social media.
• Beware of Online Deals: Be cautious when buying St. Patrick’s Day merchandise online. Verify the legitimacy of the website or seller.

3. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Scams: Fake Gift Deals and Phishing

Description: Scammers set up fake websites or social media ads promoting discounted Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, such as flowers, jewelry, gadgets, or gift cards. They may also use phishing emails or text messages that appear to come from popular retailers, offering exclusive deals that require personal or payment information.

Timing: April through June
These scams typically begin in April (for Mother’s Day) and in May (for Father’s Day), targeting early shoppers looking for special deals.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Shop Early and Smart: Use well-known, reputable websites or platforms. Verify the website’s security and legitimacy before making any purchases.
• Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts offering exclusive deals. Always go directly to the retailer’s official website to check for offers.

4. Memorial Day and Independence Day Scams: Travel and Vacation Frauds

Description: Scammers exploit holiday travel plans around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July by creating fake travel agency websites, offering deals on flights, hotels, or vacation packages. Victims may pay for services that do not exist or are of significantly lower quality than advertised. There are also fake rental scams where people are lured into renting vacation properties that do not exist.

Timing: April through July
Scammers start targeting potential holiday travelers as early as April, focusing on those planning ahead for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Book Through Trusted Platforms: Use reputable travel agencies or well-known online booking sites. Verify the authenticity of the offers directly with airlines or hotels.
• Avoid Payment by Wire Transfer: Always use credit cards or payment methods that offer fraud protection.

5. Labor Day Scams: Fake Sales and Job Offers

Description: Scammers take advantage of Labor Day sales by setting up fake e-commerce websites or offering massive discounts on popular items. Additionally, since Labor Day is associated with employment, scammers also offer fake job opportunities, especially remote work positions that require upfront payments for training or equipment.

Timing: August through September
These scams typically start in August, leading up to the Labor Day holiday, targeting shoppers looking for holiday deals or people seeking new job opportunities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Sales and Websites: Use established retailers and check for secure websites. Look for reviews and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
• Be Skeptical of Job Offers: Avoid jobs that require upfront payments or have vague descriptions. Research the company thoroughly before accepting any offers.

6. Halloween Scams: Fake Costume Shops and Phishing

Description: Scammers create fake online stores selling Halloween costumes, decorations, and party supplies at discounted prices. Victims may receive substandard items or nothing at all. Additionally, phishing scams may be disguised as promotions for Halloween events, trick-or-treating guides, or safety tips.

Timing: September through October
These scams start ramping up in September as people begin planning their Halloween celebrations.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Buy Costumes and Decorations from Trusted Retailers: Purchase from reputable websites or stores, and avoid new or unfamiliar sites without established customer reviews.
• Beware of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of emails or messages that offer deals, ask for personal information, or prompt you to click on suspicious links.

7. Back-to-School Scams: Fake Supplies, Scholarships, and Loans

Description: As the new school year approaches, scammers target parents and students with fake offers for school supplies, scholarships, or student loans. They may also impersonate educational institutions to steal personal information.

Timing: July through September
These scams generally start in mid-summer and continue through the start of the school year, targeting families preparing for back-to-school shopping and financial aid applications.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Offers and Promotions: Be wary of unsolicited offers for school supplies, and check for scholarships or financial aid through official school channels or reputable organizations.
• Research Financial Aid Programs: Contact the institution directly to verify the legitimacy of any scholarships or loans offered.

8. Veteran’s Day Scams: Fake Charities and Offers for Veterans

Description: Scammers pose as representatives of veterans' charities, offering fake benefits or using phishing emails to steal personal information. They may solicit donations for fraudulent organizations that supposedly support veterans or their families.

Timing: Late October through November
These scams typically increase in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day, as people look for ways to honor and support veterans.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research Charities: Verify the legitimacy of any charity using resources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of offers for veterans' benefits or financial assistance that require personal information or payment.

How to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams Year-Round

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest scams, especially during holiday seasons, by following reliable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Scamwatch.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods: When making online purchases or donations, always use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection, such as credit cards or payment services like PayPal.
3. Verify Before You Trust: Always verify unsolicited offers, messages, or emails directly with the organization or company using their official contact information. Do not click on links or provide personal information without confirmation.
4. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, especially during busy shopping periods.
5. Enable Security Features: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all online accounts, update your security software regularly, and consider using a password manager to keep your accounts secure.

Conclusion: Be Aware of Scams Throughout the Year

Scammers are always looking for opportunities to exploit people during holiday seasons, special events, and times of increased activity. By understanding the timing and tactics of these scams, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your finances from falling victim to fraud. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and always double-check any unsolicited offers or communications to enjoy a safer, scam-free year.

Scammers start their holiday scams well in advance of the actual holidays, capitalizing on the increased spending, travel, and charitable giving that occurs during this time. By understanding the timing and tactics of these scams, you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Remember to verify unsolicited offers, avoid sharing sensitive information, and trust your instincts if something feels off. Enjoy the holiday season safely by staying informed and vigilant against scams.