3 Holiday Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season

Quick Summary: Holiday scams are on the rise, and it’s important to stay vigilant. Scammers target online shoppers, fake charities and even send false delivery notifications. By being cautious with personal information and verifying sources, you can avoid becoming a victim.

The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but unfortunately, it's also a peak period for scams. Scammers often take advantage of the busy shopping season and festive moods to trick unsuspecting people. Here are three common scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them.

1. Online Shopping Scams

With an increase in online shopping, scammers have developed fake websites or "too good to be true" deals. Always verify the legitimacy of websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, texts or social media ads. Here are some red flags of a fake website: it does not have URL and SSL certificates, poor grammar or spelling,  and the contact page is not available or missing important information. Think you can spot a fraudulent text, email or voice message? Try out this Scam Checker to see if you’re ready to avoid a scam.

2. Charity Scams

Many people donate to charity during the holiday season. Unfortunately, scammers set up fake charities to trick people. Before donating, research the organization to ensure it’s legitimate. Look for official websites and be wary of high-pressure donation requests, especially if you’ve never heard of the charity.

3. Fake Delivery Notifications

With more people shopping online, scammers send fake emails or texts claiming there’s an issue with your delivery. These messages often contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information. Always verify delivery notifications directly with the retailer or shipping company.

Protect Yourself This Holiday Season

The best defense against scams is staying informed and cautious. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, avoid sharing personal information, and never wire money to unknown sources. When in doubt, contact the company or organization directly to verify. For more information, explore 50 essential safety tips to keep your holidays worry-free!

Conclusion

CCCU is committed to keeping you safe. Visit CCCU’s Fraud Protection webpage for even more tips and resources to protect your finances this holiday season. Stay safe and enjoy a scam-free holiday!

If you suspect fraud on your CCCU account, please report and call us at 702-228-2228 immediately or Report Fraud online.