Holiday Scams to Watch For and How to Protect Yourself
Holiday scams to watch for
During the busy season scammers ramp up tactics like fake delivery alerts, counterfeit storefronts, gift card cons, and “brushing” shipments that confirm stolen data, so shoppers should slow down and verify before clicking or buying.
Practical ways to protect yourself
Check retailer URLs and payment pages for security, confirm delivery status directly with carriers, avoid deals that pressure immediate payment with gift cards, and be skeptical of unexpected packages or social media giveaways that ask for personal information.
When something goes wrong
If you suspect fraud, document communications, contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute charges, report phishing or fake sites to the platform and consumer protection agencies, and consider a credit freeze if sensitive data may be compromised.
