The holiday season brings joy, excitement, delicious meals, and the spirit of giving. However, amidst our celebrations, fraudsters are ready to exploit our festive mood. This is the perfect time to come together with your family for an important conversation about how to stay safe from scams.
Why Fraud Peaks During the Holidays
During the holidays, we get caught up shopping, traveling, planning gatherings and enjoying time with family. This can make us more distracted and less aware of what’s happening around us. Fraudsters know this and take advantage of it!
How to Spot Scams
Here are some scams you and your family should be aware of:
- Online Shopping Scams
The holidays bring tons of sales, but watch out for fake websites that promise deals that seem too good to be true! Always shop on trusted websites and never click on unfamiliar links. - Package Delivery Scams
If you’re ordering gifts online, be careful! Scammers might send fake delivery notifications saying your package is delayed or needs extra info. These messages can have phishing links, so it’s best to track your packages directly through the retailer’s website. - Charity Scams
The holiday spirit makes many of us want to give to those in need. But scammers create fake charities to take your money. Make sure to check any organization before donating using trusted resources like Charity Navigator. - Family Emergency Scams
Fraudsters make scam calls pretending to be a family members in trouble—like saying they’re stuck somewhere and need money. These scams can pull at your heartstrings! Remind your family to double-check any such claims by calling the relative directly before sending any money.
Discussing Scams with Family Members
During your family get-togethers, take a moment to discuss these scams. Here are some ways to start the conversation at the dinner table:
- Share Personal Stories
If someone in your family has encountered a scam, let them share their experience. Hearing real stories can help everyone understand how to spot and avoid fraud. - Talk About New Trends
Scammers are always changing their tricks! Older family members might not know about the latest scams, like phishing or AI scams. Share what you’ve learned and discuss ways to keep up with the newest fraud alerts. - Create a Family Plan
Make a family plan for handling suspicious situations. For instance, decide that no one will share sensitive information over the phone or email without verifying the caller’s identity. Establish a routine for checking bank accounts regularly during the holiday season to catch any unauthorized transactions early. - Use the 'We Don’t Ask That' Rule
One of the simplest tips to share is the "We Don’t Ask That" rule—financial institutions and legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, passwords, or PINs via email, text, or phone.
Scammers want people to act alone, so by staying informed and talking openly with each other, you create a protective circle around your family. Let’s make sure our celebrations are filled with joy and not scams! Happy holidays!
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