How to Protect Your Holiday Cheer from Grinches in Disguise

Family Finances | Fraud

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving, family gatherings, and festive celebrations fills the air. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings an increase in scams targeting unsuspecting victims. Scammers are especially active during the holidays, taking advantage of the hustle and bustle to trick people into giving away their money or personal information. Here’s how you can stay safe and protect yourself from holiday scams:

1. Be Cautious with Online Shopping

Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door for scammers. Here are some tips to ensure a safe shopping experience:

• Shop from reputable websites: Stick to well-known retailers and avoid unfamiliar sites. Check for reviews and ratings before making a purchase.
• Look for secure connections: Ensure the website's URL begins with "https://" and has a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates that the website is using a secure connection.
• Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi: Whenever possible, avoid shopping on public “free” Wi-Fi networks. It makes it easier for hackers to intercept your online activities.
• Beware of deals that seem too good to be true: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than average.

2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Messages

Phishing scams are rampant during the holiday season, as scammers send fraudulent emails and messages that appear to be from trusted sources. To protect yourself:

• Verify sender information: Always check the sender's email address for any discrepancies. Scammers often use addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones.
• Don’t click on suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If you're unsure, visit the official website directly instead of using the link.
• Look for urgent language: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to provoke immediate action. Take a moment to think before responding.

3. Be Wary of Charity Scams

During the holidays, many people feel generous and want to give back to those in need. Unfortunately, this generosity can be exploited by scammers posing as charities. Here’s how to ensure your donations go to legitimate causes:

• Research the charity: Use resources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Charity Resources to verify the legitimacy of a charity.
• Avoid giving personal information: Legitimate charities will not ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank details.
• Donate directly through official websites: Instead of responding to emails or social media solicitations, go directly to the charity’s official site to make your donation.

4. Protect Your Personal Information

The holiday season is a prime time for identity theft. Keep your personal information secure by following these practices:

• Limit sharing on social media: Be cautious about sharing personal details, especially related to your travel plans or new purchases. Scammers can use this information to target you.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for your online accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
• Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

5. Stay Alert for Package Scams

With more packages being delivered during the holiday season, scammers may try to take advantage of this by:

• Tracking scams: Be cautious of fake tracking emails that appear to come from shipping companies. Always verify the tracking number on the carrier’s official website.
• Porch piracy: Consider using secure delivery options, like package lockers or requiring signatures upon delivery, to prevent theft.

Conclusion

As you dive into the holiday festivities, remember to stay vigilant against potential scams. By taking these precautions and being aware of common tactics used by scammers, you can enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season. Share these tips with family and friends to help them stay informed and protected as well. Happy holidays!

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by JVB. JVB does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. JVB does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. JVB does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. JVB recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

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