It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . for holiday scams!  In 2024, as digital technology becomes more integrated into daily life, new and evolving scams pose significant threats to consumers.  Here are some prominent scams likely to be at the forefront this holiday season.

Phishing and Smishing Attacks

Phishing, where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to obtain sensitive information, remains a top threat.  Smishing, or phishing via SMS/text messaging, is particularly fertile for scams as more consumers rely on their smartphones for online shopping and financial transactions.

Example scenario: A consumer receives a text message purportedly from their bank or a popular retailer, warning them of a suspicious transaction and prompting them to click a link to “secure” their account. Clicking this link can lead to a fraudulent site designed to steal login credentials or prompt the installation of malware.  Recommendations:

• Always verify the sender’s authenticity by directly contacting the institution or retailer using verified phone numbers or websites.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts, even if they seem urgent.

Fake E-commerce Sites and Social Media Ads

In 2024, scammers are leveraging social media ads to attract consumers to well-designed but fraudulent websites that offer deals too good to be true.

Example scenario: A shopper finds an ad on social media for luxury or popular goods at an unbelievable discount. Clicking the ad takes them to a website that looks legitimate but is a scam. Payment may result in fraudulent distribution of credit card details and other sensitive personal data and loss of funds, plus often the product never arrives.  Recommendations:

• Research online retailers thoroughly, checking reviews and verifying the website’s URL for signs of authenticity (e.g., HTTPS and legitimate domain names).
• Utilize https://www.TrustPilot.com to verify legitimate online retailers.
• Use secure payment methods, like credit cards, or services that offer fraud protection.

Charity Scams

Scammers often take advantage of the season’s charitable spirit. In 2024, fraudulent email campaigns mimic well-known charity organizations with slight name changes.

Example scenario: Consumers receive emails or social media messages asking for donations to disaster relief funds or community initiatives. These messages may link to cloned websites where donations go straight to scammers.  Recommendations:

• Always donate through well-known, established charity websites or platforms and verify the legitimacy of new charities through services like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations and verify their authenticity before contributing.

Package Delivery Scams

With the increase in online shopping, fraudulent package delivery notifications are rampant. In 2024, fraudulent delivery notices, sent via email or SMS/text message, prompt users to click a link to reschedule a delivery or pay a delivery fee.

Example scenario: A consumer receives a message stating that a package could not be delivered and must click a link to reschedule. The link leads to a page that asks for personal details or payment, leading to identity theft or financial loss.  Recommendations:

• Contact the delivery service directly through their official website or customer service to verify any delivery issues.
• Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders claiming to be delivery services.

Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are popular holiday gifts, but they are also frequently used by scammers to impersonate tech support agents, government officials, or even friends and family members, demanding payment in the form of gift cards.

Example scenario: A scammer poses as a representative from the Internal Revenue Service or a utility company, threatening immediate legal action unless payment is made through gift cards. Once the victim provides the card information, the funds are quickly depleted. Recommendations:

• Be skeptical of anyone requesting gift card payments, as legitimate companies or agencies never accept them as a form of payment.
• Report any suspicious calls or messages to local authorities or consumer protection agencies such as https://wwwreportfraud.ftc.gov.

Travel Scams

The holiday season also brings an increase in travel, which scammers exploit with fake travel deals, bogus accommodation listings and fraudulent ticket sales.  Scammers use cloned websites of reputable travel agencies and online booking platforms to defraud travelers.

Example scenario: A traveler books a holiday rental from a site that looks identical to a trusted platform but is, in fact, a scam. After making a payment, they discover that the rental does not exist or is not affiliated with the platform they thought they were using.  Recommendations:

• Use well-known booking sites and verify the website’s URL carefully before making any payments.
• Be cautious of deals that are significantly cheaper than the market rate and ask for independent verification of listings.

Resource:  Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists