Holiday Phishing Scams: What You Need to Know
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebrations, and unfortunately, an uptick in online scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about a surge in phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information. These scams can take the form of emails, text messages, or even phone calls, cleverly disguised to look legitimate. Here’s what you need to know to keep your information safe this holiday season.
What Are Phishing Scams?
Phishing is when scammers trick you into providing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details. During the holidays, these scams often play on urgency and emotions, offering fake deals, claiming delivery issues, or impersonating well-known companies.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch For
- Fake Delivery Notifications
Scammers send messages claiming your package is delayed or undeliverable. These messages often include a link that, when clicked, installs malware or leads to a fake site asking for personal information. - Bogus Charity Appeals
The season of giving can be exploited. Scammers might impersonate charitable organizations, asking for donations via fake websites or links. - Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
Amazing discounts or hard-to-find items in stock? Be cautious—these could be bait to get your payment details. - Impersonation of Retailers or Banks
Messages claiming issues with your account or purchase may ask you to verify details or click a link.
How to Protect Yourself
- Pause Before Clicking: Don’t click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website or app to check your order status.
- Inspect the Details: Look for typos, generic greetings, or mismatched email addresses. These are red flags of phishing attempts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strengthen your account security with an additional layer of protection.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards offer fraud protection, unlike wire transfers or prepaid cards which scammers often request.
- Verify Before Donating: Use trusted resources like Charity Navigator to confirm an organization’s legitimacy before giving.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Don’t engage—delete it immediately.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider if you’ve shared sensitive information.
- Spread awareness
By staying alert and sharing these tips with friends and family, you can help protect others from falling victim to holiday phishing scams.
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not stress. Stay vigilant and enjoy a safe, scam-free season!
For more details, visit the FTC’s consumer alert here.
