SCAM AWARENESS EDUCATION SERIES

As the holiday season approaches, so do the efforts of scammers looking to exploit the rush of online shopping. Scammers are deploying more sophisticated tactics than ever—including Al-generated fakes and urgent phishing attempts.

The good news? Most scams follow predictable patterns. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the season without becoming a victim. Here’s a breakdown of the most common year-end scams and practical steps to stay safe.

1. Fake Online Stores and “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers create professional-looking websites or social media ads (especially on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) offering hot items like toys, and electronics at steep discounts. You pay, but the item never arrives—or you get a cheap counterfeit.

Red flags & ways to protect yourself: Unrealistically low prices, countdown timers creating urgency, poor reviews (or none at all), and websites with strange URLs or odd domain extensions.  Always learn more about a seller before clicking on the Buy Now button.

2. Phishing via Fake E-Mail Shipping Notifications

With packages flying everywhere, scammers send texts or emails claiming your delivery is delayed, requires a small fee, or needs “updated information.” Clicking the link leads to a site that steals your credentials or installs malware. Some even include QR codes on fake package stickers.

Red flags & ways to protect yourself: Unsolicited messages from unknown senders, urgent language like “Act now or lose your package,” and links to non-official sites.  This one really requires diligence and patience.  Train yourself not to click on links before counting to ten.  Give your brain a chance to catch up and review.

3. Gift Card Scams

A “friend,” family member, or boss urgently asks you to buy gift cards and share the codes (often via email or text that’s actually from a hacked account). Or fake sites sell “discounted” gift cards that are drained or worthless.  Hard to believe that this scam type still exists.  However, as long as there are still gift card to be purchased, there will be scammers looking to exploit it.

Red flags & ways to protect yourself: Simply deny any request to buy gift cards as payment, especially for emergencies, taxes, or bills. Legitimate organizations rarely demand gift cards.

4. Fake Charities

Year-end giving inspires generosity, but scammers create lookalike charities with names similar to real ones (e.g., “American Cancer Fund” vs. the legitimate American Cancer Society). They solicit via phone, email, social media, or door-to-door.

Red flags: High-pressure tactics (“Donate now for tax deduction!”), vague details about how funds are used, or requests for payment via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards.  Like any online purchase, do your diligence before you hit the donate button.  You won’t be able to get that money back.

5. Holiday Travel Scams

Fake deals on flights, hotels, or vacation rentals pop up in emails or ads. You pay upfront, but the booking doesn’t exist—or the site steals your card info.

Red flags & ways to protect yourself: Deals far below market rates, sites without secure payment options, or pressure to book immediately.  Only use trusted and well-known travel sites. Or call the customer service number and speak with someone before you make the purchase.

6. Social Media and Temporary Job Scams

Ads promise easy holiday cash for jobs like package reshipping or mystery shopping. You pay for “training” or share personal info—and get nothing.

Red flags & ways to protect yourself: Job offers without interviews, requests for payment upfront, or tasks involving receiving/sending money/packages.  As a general rule, never send money to someone in order to get hired for a job.

General Tips to Stay Safe This Season

• Slow down: Scammers thrive on urgency. Pause before clicking, paying, or sharing info.
• Verify independently: Call using a known number, not one provided in a message.
• Use strong security: Keep software updated, use antivirus, and enable multifactor authentication.
• Monitor bank and credit accounts: Check statements regularly and set up alerts.
• Report scams: Let your local authorities know.
  
  

If something feels off, it probably is—trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.

Remember, awareness is your strongest defense.   

Contact us if you’d like more information on how cyber intelligence can help you locate scammers.

Please share this guide with friends and colleagues.