The busy holiday season is also prime time for scams. Unfortunately, fraudsters ramp up their efforts this time of year to take advantage of holiday cheer and online shopping activity. Staying alert and taking simple precautions can help protect you from falling victim.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
Porch piracy
With the surge in online shopping comes an increase in package theft. To help prevent “porch piracy,” consider installing a home security or doorbell camera, tracking deliveries closely, and requesting photo proof of delivery. You can also arrange for packages to be delivered to a secure location or require a signature upon delivery.
Gift card fraud
Gift cards are convenient but can be a target for scammers. Always inspect gift cards for signs of tampering, and confirm that the barcode on the card matches the one on its packaging. Only purchase or redeem gift cards from trusted retailers or reputable websites, and keep your receipts in case an issue arises.
Scam websites
Fake online stores often use web addresses and logos that mimic legitimate brands. Before buying, research unfamiliar sites and check customer reviews. Always look for “https://” in the website address—the “s” indicates a secure connection—and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Phishing emails/texts and Fake order notifications
Be cautious with unsolicited messages claiming to confirm an order or track a package. Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive information via email or text. Instead of clicking links in messages, go directly to the retailer’s or delivery company’s official website to verify details.
How to Protect Yourself
- Don’t click on suspicious or unfamiliar links or attachments in emails, text messages, and instant messaging services. Visit the merchant’s site directly.
- Never share personal or financial information via email, text, or over the phone.
- Keep your devices and security software updated, use strong passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards (credit cards generally have better protection than debit cards against fraudulent charges). You might also consider using mobile payment services, such as Apple Pay, which don’t share your credit card details directly with merchants.
- Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Cybercrime Today
Cybercrime has exploded into a $10.5 trillion global industry, and experts expect it to double in the next three years. Even more alarming: today’s most sophisticated schemes aren’t just coming from overseas. Local criminals are adopting the same high-level tactics, putting all of us at greater risk.
Mark Hurley, CEO of Digital Privacy & Protection LLC, joined our Wealthy Behavior podcast to break down the latest scams, the evolving role of AI in cybercrime, and the practical steps you can take right now to stay safer online.
Tune in as we discuss:
- How AI is reshaping cybercrime—and making attacks harder to spot
- Why simply booking a hotel could end up costing you more than your stay
- Whether data protection services are worth the investment
- If some devices (iOS vs. Android) are truly more secure
- How password managers work—and whether Google and Apple’s randomized passwords are safe to use
Listen and subscribe to our Wealthy Behavior podcast to stay up-to-date on the latest market, economic and investment news that affects your wealth. If you like what you hear, please leave our show a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can reach more people like you!
