Stay Safe This Year-End: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams That Surge During the Holidays and New Year

As the holiday season approaches and the year draws to a close, there is a noticeable increase in certain types of scams. Scammers take advantage of the flurry of activity around holiday shopping, travel plans, charitable donations, and year-end financial tasks to exploit unsuspecting victims. To help you navigate these risks and enjoy a safe and scam-free end to 2024, here are the most common scams to watch out for and practical tips on how to avoid them.

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 Social Media Ads

Holiday shopping is a prime time for scammers. They create fake online stores or mimic popular retail websites to steal your money and personal information. These scams are often promoted through social media ads, email campaigns, or text messages that offer incredible deals on popular gifts.

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

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How to Avoid These Scams:

• Shop at Trusted Retailers: Stick to reputable websites or well-known e-commerce platforms. Verify the URL to ensure it's correct and secure (look for “https” and a padlock icon).
• Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Scammers often use low prices to attract victims. If a deal seems unbelievable, 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.

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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2. Package Delivery Scams: Phishing Emails and Texts

With millions of packages being shipped during the holiday season, scammers capitalize on the confusion by sending phishing emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate delivery services (like FedEx, UPS, or USPS). These messages typically claim there is an issue with your delivery and prompt you to click a link or provide personal information.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Don’t Click on Links from Unknown Sources: Avoid clicking on any links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, go directly to the delivery service's official website to track your package.
• Verify the Sender: Check the sender's email address or phone number carefully. Scammers often use email addresses that look legitimate at first glance but contain subtle misspellings or extra characters.
• Report Suspicious Messages: Report phishing attempts to the delivery company and delete the messages without clicking any links.

3. Charity Scams: Exploiting Holiday Generosity

Many people feel the urge to give back during the holiday season, which makes it a prime time for charity scams. Fraudsters may create fake charities, mimic legitimate organizations, or use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations. They often reach potential victims through phone calls, emails, social media, or even door-to-door visits.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Research Before You Donate: Verify the legitimacy of any charity using sites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Be skeptical of urgent appeals or aggressive tactics, especially if they ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Donate Directly: Go directly to the charity’s official website to make your donation, rather than clicking on links in emails or social media messages.

4. Travel Scams: Fake Deals and Non-Existent Reservations

As many people travel to visit family or go on holiday vacations, travel scams become more frequent. Scammers create fake travel agencies or websites offering unbelievable deals on flights, hotels, or vacation packages. After payment, victims often discover that their reservations are fake or non-existent.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Book Through Reputable Sources: Use well-known travel agencies or trusted online booking platforms. Always check reviews and confirm your booking directly with the airline or hotel.
• Be Skeptical of Deep Discounts: If a travel deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices on multiple sites and avoid any that require payment via wire transfer or other non-secure methods.
• Verify Contact Information: Check for customer service numbers and addresses on the booking site and confirm their authenticity.

5. Gift Card Scams: Popular Targets for Fraud

Gift cards are a convenient holiday gift, but they are also a common tool for scammers. Fraudsters may sell counterfeit or drained gift cards online, or they may request payment in gift cards for fake bills, fines, or charitable donations.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• 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 payment in 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.

6. Romance Scams: Emotional Manipulation During the Holidays

The end of the year can be a lonely time for some, and scammers often exploit this by creating fake profiles on dating sites or social media to build online relationships. Once trust is established, they ask for money to deal with fabricated emergencies or crises.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Be Cautious with New Online Relationships: Be wary of individuals who quickly profess love or ask for financial help. Avoid sending money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Look for Red Flags: Scammers often avoid meeting in person, make excuses for not video chatting, or have inconsistent stories. Trust your instincts if something feels off.

7. Tax Refund Scams: Prepping for Tax Season Early

As tax season approaches, scammers gear up with phishing attempts and fake phone calls impersonating IRS agents or tax preparers. They may claim that there is an issue with your return or offer fake refund opportunities, all in an attempt to steal your personal and financial information.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Know How the IRS Communicates: The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. Verify any communication by contacting the IRS directly through their official website.
• Ignore Threats and Demands: Be suspicious of any messages demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. The IRS will not use these tactics.

8. Subscription Renewal Scams: Impersonating Trusted Services

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

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Verify Directly with the Provider: Log in to your account through the service’s official website to check your subscription status. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: Treat unexpected renewal notices with suspicion, especially if they ask for personal information or payment details.

Why Scams Increase During the Holiday Season and Year-End

Several factors contribute to the rise in scams during the holiday season and year-end:

• Increased Financial Activity: People are shopping more, donating to charities, booking travel, and preparing for tax season, all of which involve sharing personal and financial information.
• Emotional Vulnerability: The holidays are a time of giving and emotional engagement, making individuals more susceptible to scams that play on their generosity, urgency, or loneliness.
• New Year’s Resolutions: Many individuals make resolutions to improve their health, finances, or personal development, providing scammers with a wide range of targets for diet pills, fitness programs, or investment schemes.

Tips for Staying Safe as the Year Ends

To protect yourself from these scams, stay vigilant and practice caution with your personal and financial information. Here are some general tips:

• Stay Informed About Scams: Follow reliable sources like 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. Avoid wire transfers or payment methods that lack security.
• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, especially during periods of increased activity.
• Enable Security Features: Use multi-factor authentication for your accounts, keep your software up to date, and consider using a password manager to keep your passwords secure.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season

By being aware of these common scams and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy a safer, more secure holiday season and transition into the new year. Remember, if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and verify the information before taking any action. Stay informed, stay cautious, and enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.