### The Holidays: A Target-Rich Setting for Scammers
The festive season, frequently referred to as the most delightful time of the year, also presents a prime chance for scammers to operate. As shoppers enthusiastically invest their funds in presents and holiday joy, con artists identify countless opportunities to mislead, steal, and perpetrate fraud.
The [Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)](https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams) has pointed out various scams that usually surge during this season. These include failing to deliver purchased products, demanding payment through pre-paid gift cards, and phishing for sensitive data.
### Why Scams Flourish During the Holidays
While several scams take place throughout the year, their frequency spikes during the holiday period. Jaeson Schultz, a technical expert at Cisco Talos Security Intelligence & Research, indicates that the massive amount of information shared during this time provides criminals opportunities to “blend in and conceal themselves.”
The increase in data also makes it more challenging for security teams to identify harmful activities, raising the chances that a malicious attempt could go unnoticed. Concurrently, consumers, in their hurry to snatch up deals and make quick purchases, may lower their defenses—even on reliable sites like Amazon and eBay.
To safeguard yourself, Schultz suggests utilizing a credit card with fraud protection while shopping. Unlike cash, debit cards, or pre-paid gift cards, credit cards generally provide measures against fraudulent charges, enabling victims to dispute transactions and secure refunds.
### Five Common Holiday Scams to Be Aware Of
#### 1. **Unbelievably Good Deals**
If you come across an iPhone or PlayStation at an unrealistically low price, it is probably a scam. Scammers take advantage of the holiday shopping rush by listing fake offers across various platforms.
Per Schultz, fraudsters can quickly establish seemingly legitimate businesses using platforms like Shopify, Square, or third-party seller sites on Amazon, TikTok, or Walmart. They might sell knockoff products, repackage returned goods as new, or even employ artificial intelligence to create phony reviews.
If a bargain appears suspiciously appealing and isn’t from a reputable manufacturer, it’s wise to pause and reevaluate. While the temptation to grab a deal is strong, it’s often wiser to give it a miss.
#### 2. **Items That Never Arrive**
Online shopping can be hectic, often resulting in lost track of what has been ordered and what is on its way. Scammers take advantage of this disorder by taking your money for items they have no intention of sending. The [FBI](https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams) highlights this as a prevalent holiday scam.
To steer clear of becoming a victim, stay organized and keep tabs on your orders. If you do not receive a tracking number or your package fails to show up, reach out to the seller. If they are unresponsive or uncooperative, report the situation to your credit card company, the Better Business Bureau, and your state’s attorney general. Additionally, consider leaving a truthful negative review to alert others.
#### 3. **Scams Involving Gift Cards**
[Gift card scams](https://mashable.com/article/gift-card-draining-scam) are a constant threat but become more widespread during the festive season. In a common tactic, scammers manipulate gift cards at retail locations to capture the barcode and PIN. Once the card is loaded with value, they quickly drain the funds before the intended recipient can utilize it.
To circumvent this, check gifts card packaging for any signs of tampering and think about purchasing directly from the brand’s official site instead of a third-party retailer.
Another variation of the gift card scam has fraudsters requesting payment through pre-paid gift cards when selling items online. After they obtain the card’s PIN, they vanish without fulfilling their promise. The easiest way to avoid this scheme is straightforward: never pay for online items with a pre-paid gift card.
#### 4. **Phishing Schemes**
The holiday season brings a flood of emails, texts, and messages, enhancing the chances for scammers to blend in with genuine communications. Phishing attempts frequently imitate messages from trusted entities, such as your bank or a delivery service, urging you to click a link or scan a QR code to address an “urgent” concern.
Schultz points out that QR code phishing has grown increasingly prevalent, as it can bypass numerous security measures. Scanning these codes may lead you to malicious sites aimed at extracting your personal data.
To shield yourself, maintain a skeptical outlook towards unsolicited links and QR codes. If you’re uncertain about a link or code’s destination, refrain from clicking or scanning it. Instead, navigate directly to the relevant website.
#### 5. **Fraudulent Charities**
The holiday season encourages acts of kindness, but scammers frequently exploit this spirit by establishing fake charities. The [FBI’s San Francisco bureau