Alert: Protect your holiday budget by avoiding these 14 online shopping scams!
- Replies 0
As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the scent of pine, the sound of festive music, and the excitement of gift-giving. But lurking in the shadows of this joyful time are opportunistic scammers, ready to dampen your holiday spirit.
Being forewarned is forearmed, so let's shine a light on the 14 devious online shopping scams that could be targeting your holiday budget.
“While scams are common year-round, we’re more likely to fall victim at a time when we’re busy, stressed and preoccupied,” Mike Steinbach, managing director of financial crimes and fraud prevention at Citi, stated in an email. “For many of us, that time is the holiday season.”
Around 25% of consumers around the globe report that they have been targeted by a scam when they shop online, as per the 2023 Cyber Safety Insights Report from Norton, the security firm.
Tami Hudson, cybersecurity client officer at Wells Fargo, said, “Cyber scammers are utilizing readily available and existing data through social engineering to understand user behavior and gain access to credentials and assets.”
Here are 14 scams that you might not know yet but will see fraudsters using this holiday season:
1. The Illusion of Confirmed Orders
You receive an email confirming a purchase you don't recall making. It's a classic scam, designed to panic you into clicking a link that could compromise your personal information. Remember, if in doubt, visit the retailer's official site by typing the URL directly into your browser, not by clicking on links in emails.
2. The Phantom Package Problem
Fake shipping notifications from carriers like FedEx or UPS can lead you to click on links that install malware. Always track your packages directly through the retailer's or carrier's official website.
3. The Bank Impersonation Ploy
Scammers may pose as your bank, alerting you to fraudulent activity. They'll ask for sensitive information or for you to confirm a code they've sent, which is actually a way to hack into your accounts. Real bank representatives won't ask for your passwords or PINs. When in doubt, hang up and call your bank directly.
4. The Phishing Expedition
Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated, thanks to AI. They mimic official communications to trick you into downloading harmful apps or revealing personal information. The golden rule: never click on links in emails. Instead, manually enter the website address into your browser.
5. The SIM Swapping Scheme
This multi-step scam starts with gathering your personal information, then contacting your phone carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card. With your phone number, scammers can bypass two-factor authentication. Protect yourself by being cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited calls.
6. The Cloned Website Con
Scammers clone websites to capture your login credentials. They might send you a coupon that leads to a fake site that looks identical to a trusted retailer's. Always check the URL carefully and consider using retailer apps for a more secure shopping experience.
7. The Pop-Up Shop Scam
New websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals might pop up during the holidays. Before making a purchase, research the company and check for reviews to ensure it's legitimate.
8. The Porch Pirate Trap
Physical theft of packages from your doorstep is still a concern. Consider alternative delivery options like Amazon Key, Hub Lockers, or having packages delivered to your workplace.
9. The Charitable Deception
Scammers exploit the season's generosity with fake charity drives. Research any charity before donating and be wary of unsolicited calls asking for donations.
10. The Social Media Sob Story
Not all appeals for help on social media are genuine. Stick to GoFundMe campaigns with a personal or local connection that you can verify.
11. The Family Emergency Fraud
Calls or emails claiming a relative is in distress and needs money urgently are often scams. Verify the situation with other family members before acting.
12. The Classified Ad Trick
Be cautious when buying from online marketplaces. Meet in public places, test electronics, and avoid transactions that involve shipping from sellers with new or inactive profiles.
13. The Public Wi-Fi Hack
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks where hackers can intercept your data. Use a VPN for an added layer of security, even on your home network.
14. The Skimming and Surfing Snare
In physical stores, watch out for card skimmers on readers and shoulder surfers who watch as you enter your PIN. Use contactless payments to reduce the risk.
Have you or someone you know fallen victim to a holiday scam? Do you have additional tips for staying safe while shopping online? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
Being forewarned is forearmed, so let's shine a light on the 14 devious online shopping scams that could be targeting your holiday budget.
“While scams are common year-round, we’re more likely to fall victim at a time when we’re busy, stressed and preoccupied,” Mike Steinbach, managing director of financial crimes and fraud prevention at Citi, stated in an email. “For many of us, that time is the holiday season.”
Around 25% of consumers around the globe report that they have been targeted by a scam when they shop online, as per the 2023 Cyber Safety Insights Report from Norton, the security firm.
Tami Hudson, cybersecurity client officer at Wells Fargo, said, “Cyber scammers are utilizing readily available and existing data through social engineering to understand user behavior and gain access to credentials and assets.”
During the holiday season, shoppers should be especially vigilant as scammers are more active, exploiting the busy and stressful period to steal information or money. Image source: Pexels / AS Photography.
Here are 14 scams that you might not know yet but will see fraudsters using this holiday season:
1. The Illusion of Confirmed Orders
You receive an email confirming a purchase you don't recall making. It's a classic scam, designed to panic you into clicking a link that could compromise your personal information. Remember, if in doubt, visit the retailer's official site by typing the URL directly into your browser, not by clicking on links in emails.
2. The Phantom Package Problem
Fake shipping notifications from carriers like FedEx or UPS can lead you to click on links that install malware. Always track your packages directly through the retailer's or carrier's official website.
3. The Bank Impersonation Ploy
Scammers may pose as your bank, alerting you to fraudulent activity. They'll ask for sensitive information or for you to confirm a code they've sent, which is actually a way to hack into your accounts. Real bank representatives won't ask for your passwords or PINs. When in doubt, hang up and call your bank directly.
4. The Phishing Expedition
Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated, thanks to AI. They mimic official communications to trick you into downloading harmful apps or revealing personal information. The golden rule: never click on links in emails. Instead, manually enter the website address into your browser.
It is important to be cautious of fake communication such as shipping updates, false fraud alerts, and phishing emails seeking to gather personal information or payment details. Image source: Pexels / Kaboom Pics.
5. The SIM Swapping Scheme
This multi-step scam starts with gathering your personal information, then contacting your phone carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card. With your phone number, scammers can bypass two-factor authentication. Protect yourself by being cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited calls.
6. The Cloned Website Con
Scammers clone websites to capture your login credentials. They might send you a coupon that leads to a fake site that looks identical to a trusted retailer's. Always check the URL carefully and consider using retailer apps for a more secure shopping experience.
7. The Pop-Up Shop Scam
New websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals might pop up during the holidays. Before making a purchase, research the company and check for reviews to ensure it's legitimate.
It is important to be cautious of fake communication such as shipping updates, false fraud alerts, and phishing emails seeking to gather personal information or payment details. Image source: Pexels / Kaboom Pics.
8. The Porch Pirate Trap
Physical theft of packages from your doorstep is still a concern. Consider alternative delivery options like Amazon Key, Hub Lockers, or having packages delivered to your workplace.
9. The Charitable Deception
Scammers exploit the season's generosity with fake charity drives. Research any charity before donating and be wary of unsolicited calls asking for donations.
10. The Social Media Sob Story
Not all appeals for help on social media are genuine. Stick to GoFundMe campaigns with a personal or local connection that you can verify.
11. The Family Emergency Fraud
Calls or emails claiming a relative is in distress and needs money urgently are often scams. Verify the situation with other family members before acting.
12. The Classified Ad Trick
Be cautious when buying from online marketplaces. Meet in public places, test electronics, and avoid transactions that involve shipping from sellers with new or inactive profiles.
13. The Public Wi-Fi Hack
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks where hackers can intercept your data. Use a VPN for an added layer of security, even on your home network.
14. The Skimming and Surfing Snare
In physical stores, watch out for card skimmers on readers and shoulder surfers who watch as you enter your PIN. Use contactless payments to reduce the risk.
Have you or someone you know fallen victim to a holiday scam? Do you have additional tips for staying safe while shopping online? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
