Common holiday scams and how to avoid them

The holidays are traditionally a time for celebration, giving, and – unfortunately – online scams. As e-commerce surges and people become more generous around December, scammers see an opportunity to exploit the holiday spirit. In this blog, we highlight some of the most common holiday scams you need to watch out for and provide tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this festive season.

1. Phishing scams

Phishing is one of the most common online scams, and it spikes during the holidays. You might receive fake emails or messages claiming to be from popular retailers or delivery services, offering deals that seem too good to be true or reporting an issue with a shipment.

Scammers use these tactics to trick you into clicking a link, which can lead to a fake website designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. Be wary of unsolicited messages, and always verify the sender before clicking on any links.

“During the holidays, phishing scams are more prevalent because scammers know people are distracted,” says Alex Popken, WebPurify’s VP of Trust & Safety. “It’s important to double-check every email, text, or post, and be cautious of any unexpected requests.”

2. Gift card fraud

Gift cards are an easy and popular choice for presents, but they often feature in holiday scams. Scammers might ask for payment in the form of gift cards, especially on untrustworthy platforms, or sell counterfeit or empty gift cards online. To avoid falling victim, only purchase gift cards from reputable retailers and never use them as a payment method if requested by someone you don’t know.

3. Fake e-commerce websites

Fake online stores are a common holiday scam, preying on the increased online shopping activity at this time of year. Fake websites often advertise steep discounts to lure in unsuspecting shoppers; however, once you make a purchase, you either never receive the item or have your payment details stolen. Stick to well-known retailers, look for HTTPS encryption in the website URL, and check online reviews before buying from a site you’ve never used before.

“Fake e-commerce sites can look incredibly convincing,” says Alex. “If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth doing a little research before making a purchase.”

4. Charity scams

Scammers often try to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holiday season by setting up fake charitable websites that solicit donations for fraudulent causes. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy before donating, especially if it contacts you directly. Websites like Charity Navigator can help you identify trustworthy organizations.

5. Fake listings on social media marketplaces

Shopping for gifts or holiday decor on social media marketplaces can be convenient, but if a platform doesn’t have effective content moderation it can be a breeding ground for holiday scams. Fraudsters will post fake items, use bait-and-switch tactics, or simply take your payment without delivering the item. Look for sellers with a history of positive reviews and be cautious of any deals that seem too good to be true. And always use the platform’s payment system, which may offer more protection.

6. Holiday event ticket scams

Planning on attending a holiday concert or event? Scammers know how eager people are to snag tickets, particularly to popular events, and may create fake listings or sell counterfeit tickets at inflated prices. Stick to verified ticketing platforms, and avoid buying tickets from unofficial sources or individuals.

7. Travel deals and vacation rental scams

Scammers love to prey on people’s dreams of a perfect holiday getaway and may offer bogus deals on travel packages or advertise fake vacation rental listings. To avoid being scammed, book your travel and accommodation only through well-known platforms, and read reviews thoroughly before making any payments. Be particularly wary of any listings that request direct payment outside of the platform.

8. Delivery notification scams

With the increase in online shopping, delivery notification scams have become all too common. Scammers will send fake emails or texts about ‘missed deliveries,’ prompting recipients to click on a link to reschedule. Be cautious about clicking on links in unsolicited messages as they often lead to malicious sites aiming to steal personal information. When in doubt, visit the courier’s official website directly and track your parcel there.

9. Subscription renewal scams

Subscriptions are a popular gift, so the holiday season is a time when many come up for renewal. The scammers send fake subscription renewal emails claiming that your subscription to a service like streaming or software, or perhaps a publication, is about to renew, urging you to click a link to manage or cancel it. These links lead to phishing websites intended to steal your login details or personal information, so always check the sender’s address.

“Subscription renewal scams often exploit the chaos of the holidays,” Alex says. “With so many people focused on holiday tasks, it’s easy to fall for these fake renewal notices. Always log in directly at the service provider to manage your subscriptions and payment details.”

10. Digital greeting card scams

Holiday e-cards are a fun way to spread holiday cheer, but they can also be used to spread malware. Scammers send digital greeting cards containing malicious links that, once clicked, can infect your device with malware or steal your data. Before clicking, double-check the sender’s email address. If it seems suspicious or the message is overly generic, it’s best to delete it.

11. Fraudulent promotions or giveaways

Social engineering is often used to lure people in with seemingly generous giveaways or promotions during the holiday season. These scams aim to collect your personal information or lead you to fake websites. Be wary of unsolicited offers that ask for personal data, and always verify the legitimacy of a promotion through official websites or social media channels.

Tips to stay safe from holiday scams

At WebPurify, we’ve seen it all in our 18 years of keeping platforms and their users safe. Investing in content moderation is the best defense any platform can make against scammers. While we work behind the scenes fighting scammers at platforms ranging from small blogs to the one in seven Fortune 100 companies we partner with, here are some tips you can use to stay safe online this holiday season.

Verify legitimacy

Always verify the sender’s identity when receiving emails or messages, especially if they contain links or attachments. Avoid clicking on unsolicited links. “A quick check can save you a lot of trouble,” Alex advises. “If something seems off, trust your instincts and verify.”

Stick to trusted sources

When shopping online, stick to reputable websites. Look for ‘HTTPS’ in the URL and check for customer reviews. “Trust matters, especially online. When in doubt, research the retailer,” Alex says.

Avoid unsolicited requests

Be cautious of any unsolicited messages or emails, particularly those asking for personal or payment information. Scammers often use urgency to create panic – take a step back and evaluate.

Use secure payment methods

Whenever possible, use secure payment methods such as credit cards that offer buyer protection, and avoid direct bank transfers. Credit cards often offer fraud protection, making them safer than other methods.

Strengthen your passwords

Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, especially those related to shopping and banking. Consider using a password manager, such as Evernote, to keep track of them.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling 2FA for your accounts where it’s offered adds an extra layer of security. Even if a scammer manages to get your login details, they won’t be able to access your account without the second form of authentication.

Monitor your accounts

Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. The sooner you spot suspicious activity, the faster you can act to prevent further issues.