Don't let scammers steal your holiday cheer! As we dive into the festive season, it's important to stay vigilant against scams that tend to increase during this time of year. Here’s what to watch for this holiday season:

  • Tariff Scams: As the holiday shopping season unfolds, be aware of a new wave of scams targeting online shoppers. Fraudsters are taking advantage of consumer confusion regarding recent changes to tariff regulations on imported goods by sending deceptive text messages and emails. These messages falsely claim your package is held up in customs and requires an immediate tariff payment for its release. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on links or responding to unexpected messages about your deliveries. If you receive a suspicious notice, verify your order status directly with the merchant or by using the official tracking number on the shipping carrier's website.
  • Fraudulent Shipping Notifications: With so many packages being delivered during the holidays, scammers send fake texts and emails claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, or UPS. These messages often contain links to "track" or "claim" a package, but clicking on them can install malware or steal your information. Remember, legitimate delivery services rarely send unsolicited links.
  • Fake Charities: Scammers often create fake charities to tug at your heartstrings and steal your donations or personal information. They may call or set up bogus websites to appear legitimate. Be cautious of social media donation requests and always verify phone numbers and websites before donating. You may also utilize online resources to verify charity authenticity, such as BBB's Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org) and Charity Navigator.
  • Gift Card Fraud: Beware of anyone asking you to pay for something with a gift card. Scammers often use this tactic because gift cards are nearly impossible to trace. Gift cards are meant for gifts, not payments! If someone demands you pay them this way, it's a major red flag.

This holiday season, your best defense against fraud is awareness and caution. Scammers rely on the busyness and goodwill of this time of year to succeed. By taking a moment to verify requests, thinking before you click, and questioning any unusual payment methods, you can effectively protect your finances and personal information.