By The holiday season is one of the busiest periods of the year for retail, travel, and online activity. That’s terrific for collecting gifts and building memories, but it also creates an ideal environment for fraudsters. With so much going on, it’s easy to miss a suspicious text, an unusual charge, or click on a bogus deal in the midst of it all.
Here’s everything you need to know about protecting yourself and your money.
Why Fraud Surges During the Holidays
Fraudsters do not require complex methods; they rely on distraction and noise. People shop more frequently, visit unknown stores, and check several accounts. This gives bad actors more ways to hide their fraudulent conduct and makes it easier for them to sneak in unauthorised charges without being detected.
Common Holiday Scams
Here are some of the most common holiday scams:
Similar Online Stores and “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Fake shopfronts imitate legitimate brands, frequently offering large discounts. These sites may steal your money without delivering anything, and your card information may be reused elsewhere.
Phishing and Fake Delivery Alerts
Scammers send convincing SMS or emails that mimic package tracking updates or account alerts. Clicking a link in one of these messages may cause you to unintentionally disclose critical information.
Charity Scams
Holiday generosity is real, and fraudsters take advantage of that. Fake charities may pressure you to donate immediately with emotional messages.
Gift Card Theft
Fraudsters sometimes tamper with gift cards in stores or sell fake cards online. After activation, they can drain the balance quickly.
Account Takeover
Sometimes the fraud isn’t with your card number at all — it’s with your email or retailer account. If attackers get into your inbox or shopping accounts, they can reset passwords and wreak havoc.
Tips That Really Help
Here are straightforward actions you can take:
1. Slow Down Before You Pay
Rushed decisions are often where fraud happens. Take a moment before entering your card details — especially if a deal feels urgent or unusual.
2. Protect Your Card Details
Don’t share card numbers over text or email. Only enter them on secure, trusted sites you initiate.
3. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Make sure all of your accounts, particularly your email and online shopping accounts, use unique, strong passwords. Enable multifactor authentication wherever possible.
4. Avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping.
Public hotspots are generally insecure, making it easy for someone to intercept your data. If you must shop while out and about, use your phone’s data or a personal hotspot.
5. Consider Digital Wallets or Virtual Card Numbers
Services like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or virtual card numbers mask your real card information during online checkout.
6. Check Your Accounts Often
Check your credit card activities every day during the peak holiday spending season. Turn on real-time purchase notifications to detect any unusual activity right away.
What to do if fraud occurs.
Even with measures, fraud can still happen. If you discover an unauthorised charge:
- Contact your card issuer right away—the sooner the better.
- Examine recent transactions carefully to determine what occurred.
- Dispute unauthorised charges using your bank’s process.
- Change your passwords, beginning with your email address.
- If you believe your identity has been compromised, consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit.
Final Thought
Holiday scam does not have to ruin the season. With a little awareness and a few minor behaviours, you can protect your finances without making every click or purchase a stressful experience. Stay cautious, shop wisely, and enjoy the holidays safely.
