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 during the holidays. From online shopping fraud to fake charities, here are some of the top scams to be aware of as we close out 2024 and tips on how to protect 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

ScamWatchHQScamWatchHQ

1. Online Shopping Scams: Too Good to Be True Deals

With the rush to buy gifts, scammers create fake online stores or websites that mimic popular retailers. These fraudulent sites often offer deals that seem too good to be true—deep discounts on high-demand items like electronics, luxury goods, or toys. Victims may pay for products that are never delivered or receive counterfeit or inferior goods.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stick to Reputable Retailers: Shop only on well-known websites or trusted marketplaces. Verify the website's URL to ensure it is secure (look for "https" and a padlock icon).
• Be Skeptical of Unbelievable Discounts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the seller or website, check for reviews, and be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than elsewhere.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for credit cards or payment services that offer buyer protection. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for online purchases.

2. Fake Charity Scams: Exploiting the Season of Giving

During the holiday season, many people are moved to donate to charitable causes. Scammers exploit this generosity by posing as legitimate charities or creating fake ones. They may contact potential victims through phone calls, emails, social media, or text messages, using emotional appeals to solicit donations.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research Before Donating: Verify the charity's legitimacy using trusted 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 Unsolicited Requests: Be wary of high-pressure tactics or urgent appeals for donations, especially those demanding payment via unconventional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Donate Directly on Official Websites: If you want to give to a specific organization, visit its official website directly rather than clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages.

3. Package Delivery Scams: Phishing and Fake Notifications

With the increase in online shopping, there is also a surge in package deliveries during the holiday season. Scammers take advantage of this by sending phishing emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate delivery services like FedEx, UPS, or USPS. These messages often claim that there is an issue with a delivery and ask for personal information or payment to resolve it.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Before Clicking: Never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from delivery companies. 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.

4. Travel Scams: Fake Deals and Bogus Reservations

Holiday travel is a prime time for scammers who set up fake websites or offers for discounted flights, hotels, or vacation rentals. Victims may pay for services that don’t exist or show up at a destination only to find that their booking was never made.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use Trusted Travel Sites: Book travel through reputable travel agencies or well-known booking platforms. Always check reviews and verify offers directly with the airline, hotel, or vacation rental company.
• Avoid Wire Transfers: Never pay for travel with wire transfers, gift cards, or cash. Use a credit card that offers fraud protection.

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

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

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 services or products that require large upfront payments, especially if they lack a money-back guarantee.

6. Tax Refund Scams: Preying on the Upcoming Tax Season

As the year ends and tax season approaches, scammers impersonate IRS agents or tax preparers to steal personal and financial information. They may send phishing emails, make fake phone calls, or create fraudulent websites claiming there is an issue with your return or offering fake refund opportunities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Know the IRS’s Practices: 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.
• Be Suspicious of Urgent Requests: Be cautious of anyone requesting immediate payment or sensitive information to avoid penalties or receive a refund.

7. Romance Scams: Emotional Manipulation During a Vulnerable Time

The holiday season can be a lonely time for some, making them more vulnerable to romance scams. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to build online relationships. Eventually, they ask for money to deal with fabricated emergencies or personal crises.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Take Your Time: Be cautious of individuals who quickly profess love or ask for financial help. Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Watch for Red Flags: Scammers often avoid meeting in person, make excuses for not video chatting, or request money under suspicious circumstances.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Informed

As the year ends and the holiday season unfolds, being aware of these common scams can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember to stay skeptical of unsolicited offers, verify before trusting, and use secure payment methods. Keep informed through trusted sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker, and Scamwatch to stay one step ahead of scammers.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy a safer and more secure holiday season and year-end, free from the fear of falling victim to scams.