The Christmas season, while a time of joy and celebration, can also be a breeding ground for scammers who don’t care whether they are naughty or nice. You are probably in at least one of the groups who enjoys online shopping, holiday parties, and charitable giving, during this time of year. But it’s important to stay aware of potential fraud because, unfortunately, opportunities for scams abound. This article will hopefully better prepare you to navigate the festive season with additional knowledge and confidence that will help you stay more safe and secure.
1. ONLINE SHOPPING: A SCAMMER’S WORKSHOP
- Beware of Phishing:
- Fake emails and websites: Be wary of emails requesting personal information. These emails claim to be from a retailer offering free items or “too good to be true” deals. They may also be an urgent shipping notification or fake warnings about account problems. Some even pretend to be the IRS requesting you download an item in the email they sent in order to provide them with needed next steps.
- According to the IRS, different types of Phishing involve the following:
- Phishing/Smishing - SMS texts known as “smishing” try to get you to click a link in an email or text to fill out information or download malware or malicious software. This is designed to damage or hurt your device. These are often sent to a business or agency where the chances of at least one person clicking on it are theoretically better for the scammer.
- Spear Phishing - This phishing focuses more on the individual and creates what’s referred to as a “lure”. The email can seem more legitimate. For example, the scammer may pose as a potential client for a professional and try to get the professional to provide sensitive information to them.
- Clone Phishing - This is a more advanced type of phishing that clones an email that the recipient has already received and resends it to them, posing as the original sender. The new message will have malware or a link that attempts to get the recipient’s personal information.
- Whaling - This is similar to spear phishing except it targets leaders or executives that have access to large amounts of information at an organization or business. These attacks can occur in payroll offices, human resources, and financial offices.
- Check URLs carefully: Ensure the website address begins with "https" (the “s” in https stands for secure connection) and look for a padlock icon in the browser bar.
- Hover over links: Before clicking on any links in emails or messages, hover your mouse over them to check the actual destination URL to see if it looks legitimate.
- Scrutinize Online Retailers:
- Research unfamiliar sellers: Check online reviews and ratings from reputable sources.
- Look for contact information: Legitimate businesses will have readily available contact information, such as a physical address and customer service phone number.
- Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each online account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Avoid shopping on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like malls or restaurants
- Secure Payment Methods:
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards when you can: Credit cards offer greater protection against fraud than debit cards.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar payment methods: Avoid using wire transfers, money orders, or gift cards unless you are absolutely certain of the seller's legitimacy.
- Monitor your bank and credit card accounts: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized charges.
2. CHARITABLE GIVING: BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEPS CLOTHING
- Research Charities Carefully:
- Verify the charity's legitimacy: Check their registration status with the relevant regulatory body like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator.
- Be wary of emotional appeals: Fraudsters feed off of people’s emotions like guilt and fear and pressure donors into giving in.
- Donate directly to the charity: Avoid giving to unsolicited phone calls or door-to-door solicitors.
- Natural Disasters: Be especially careful if it is a supposed charity asking for donations for natural disaster victims during the holiday season. This is a trap for the unwary.
- Safe Online Donations:
- Donate directly through the charity's official website: Avoid clicking on links in emails or social media posts.
- Look for secure payment gateways: Ensure the website uses "https" and has a privacy policy.
3. HOLIDAY PARTIES
- Protect Your Personal Information:
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Avoid discussing sensitive financial information in public places or when someone you don’t know is present.
- Keep your drinks secure: If you are going to have a drink, do not leave it unattended if you plan to finish it. Someone could tamper with it to make it easier to get information from you.
- Be cautious of strangers: Be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information from people you do not know.
- Safeguard Your Belongings:
- Keep an eye on your purse or wallet: Never leave them unattended on tables or chairs.
- Use secure storage options: Utilize hotel safes or lockable bags to store valuables.
4. COMMON HOLIDAY SCAMS: REVIEW
- Phishing emails: As mentioned earlier, these emails often mimic legitimate companies and attempt to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. There’s multiple different types of phishing strategies scammers employ, but the bottom line is, be skeptical of emails and messages you receive that ask for personal information or try and get you to click on a link or attachment.
- Fake delivery scams: Text messages or emails claiming to be from delivery services may ask for personal information or direct recipients to fraudulent websites.
- Travel scams: Be wary of "too good to be true" travel deals, as they may be associated with fraudulent companies or involve hidden fees.
- Charity scams: As noted above, be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations, especially those that pressure you to act immediately. Also, be aware that charity fraud increases whenever there is a natural disaster, so know the organization or the people you are giving to.
- "Grandparent scams": Fraudsters may impersonate grandchildren or other family members in distress with a request for urgent financial assistance.
5. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT FRAUD?
- Install and update security software: Use antivirus and anti-malware software on all your devices and keep it updated regularly.
- Be skeptical of unexpected offers: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable about a situation or a request, politely decline and report it to the appropriate authorities. Be especially careful if someone is trying to make you feel guilty or fearful in an attempt to get money or donations from you.
- Educate yourself and your family: Share this information with your friends and family to help them stay safe during the holiday season.
6. REPORTING FRAUD 
- Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts.
- Report online scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Report phishing emails to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Contact your local law enforcement agency to report any in-person scams or suspicious activity.
- Report a tax scam by submitting Form 14242.
- Report EIN or business identify theft by filing Form 14039-B or call the IRS at 800-908-4490.
Please enjoy your holiday season. Take what we have shared here with you and share it with others in ways that creates greater awareness. None of us wants to be duped by scammers or see others who may be more vulnerable to such attacks become victims. Remember, prevention is key, and by being informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of holiday scammers. Happy Holidays!
‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE FRAUDY © 2024 by Durfee Law Group is licensed under CC BY 4.0 
‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE FRAUDY