Sleigh Away from Scams This Holiday Season

The holiday season is notorious for being the busiest time of year for consumer spending. Whether it’s buying gifts from retailers or donating to charities, there’s a lot of money exchanging hands. While this is great for our economy, it also provides opportunities for scammers.

During this festive (and sometimes chaotic) time, it is vital that you stay vigilant to make sure your hard-earned money ends up where it was intended to go. Below are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you navigate the winter months.

If It’s Too Good To Be True…

You’ve heard this saying countless times, and it never fails to ring true. Scammers often lure people in with deals that seem too good to pass up. If you find yourself thinking, “There’s no way this can be real,” you’re probably right.

For example, if a website offers this year’s hottest toy or gadget at an unbelievable discount, resist the temptation. These scams often result in counterfeit merchandise—or worse, stolen credit card or banking information. When in doubt, stick to reputable retailers.

Give, But Don’t Get Taken

The holidays bring out generosity, with charities nationwide requesting donations. While most appeals are legitimate, a growing number are coming from for-profit third-party companies that pocket most of your donation as revenue, leaving only pennies for the charity itself.

To ensure your contribution goes directly to the cause, donate directly through the charity’s official website, by mail, or in person. Avoid donating through unsolicited emails, social media ads, text messages, or phone calls, which are harder to verify.

Santa Tracker? No, Scam Tracker

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has a fantastic resource that you should be adding to your bookmarks bar this year: BBB.org/scamtracker. This website serves as a hub for reporting, preventing, and recovering from scams.

If you encounter a suspicious offer or solicitation, report it on the site to warn others. If by some misfortune you are scammed in the coming months (or anytime thereafter), you can use the above website to access their comprehensive Scam Prevention Guide and Scam Survival Kit to help you recover.

We hope your holiday season is merry, bright, and free of fraud! Stay vigilant, and don’t let scammers steal your holiday cheer.