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Stay Safe from Holiday Scams: Tips to Protect Your Finances

The holidays are a time for celebration with friends and family. Unfortunately, they are also a prime time for scammers looking to steal your cheer.

Falling for holiday scams can cost you significant money. It also puts your personal account information at risk. Dealing with the aftermath is often time-consuming and expensive. You deserve a stress-free season, so it pays to stay alert.

Here are the most common seasonal scams and practical tips to help protect yourself.

Watch Out for Delivery Scams

Are you expecting a package this month? You need to be extra cautious about the messages you receive. Scammers often send phishing emails or texts that look like they come from UPS, FedEx, or USPS.

These messages usually claim you have a “missed delivery.” They include a link for you to view details or reschedule.

Don’t Click Suspicious Links

These links are traps. They may lead to fake sign-in pages designed to steal your passwords. Some even lead to malware-infected sites that can damage your device.

Never respond to messages that ask for personal or financial information. Legitimate delivery services won’t ask for money or cryptocurrency via text.

Avoid Random QR Codes

Be wary of unexpected packages that arrive at your door. Avoid scanning any QR codes included with them. These are often attempts to steal your information. If you didn’t order it, treat it with suspicion.

Spotting Fake Online Deals

We all love a good bargain. However, you must be careful when shopping online or browsing social media. Stick to trusted websites and well-known vendors.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with deep discounts on popular items that don’t actually exist.

Stay on the Platform

If you purchase items on a marketplace or social platform, keep your transaction there. Communicate with sellers only through the official site.

Protections usually only apply if you complete the entire process on the platform. If a seller asks you to move to email or text, it is a red flag.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Always use payment methods that offer buyer protection, like credit cards. Never send money to strangers using wire transfers.

Avoid using Zelle or similar apps for purchases unless you know the person. You should only use these apps when you can confirm the goods exist and are in your hands.

Be Wary of Phony Charities

The holidays are known as the season of giving. Sadly, scammers prey on this generosity. They often set up fake charities to steal donations from kind-hearted people.

Verify Before You Donate

Before you open your wallet, do some research. Double-check the contact details and payment information for the charity.

Make sure the organization is legitimate. Watch out for solicitations that come via text, email, or unsolicited phone calls.

Do Not Open Unknown Attachments

Treat charity requests like any other unsolicited message. Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.

These files may contain malware. They are often designed to steal your personal data.

Advice from the Experts

“Scammers do not discriminate and can target anyone during this festive season,” says Darius Kingsley, head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase.

“Don’t let your guard down. Always remember that if something seems off, it likely is. By staying alert and informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim during this holiday season.”

Quick Tips to Avoid Scams

Here is a quick checklist to keep your finances safe:

• Verify the recipient: Don’t send money to unknown individuals.
• Confirm the product: Do not pay for goods or services you can’t confirm exist.
• Question strangers: Be cautious of friendly messages from strangers on social apps. Scammers build trust before asking for cash.
• Trust your gut: If a discount is incredibly low, it is likely a scam.
• Avoid Zelle for marketplaces: Never pay using Zelle for social media marketplace items. It is like cash. You may not get it back if there is an issue.

For more information on protecting yourself, visit chase.com/scamspotting. It is a free resource available in English and Spanish.

#HolidayScams #StaySafe #FraudPrevention

#HolidayScams #FraudPrevention #StaySafe