Holiday Fraud Prevention

We say it every year, but it’s true: the holidays are the perfect time for fraud to occur. This year, the holidays overlap with a pandemic causing even more reason to stay on guard. Below are a few common scams we’ve seen going on around this time of year. The best way to stop fraud is remaining aware, so share this list with family and friends so we can all stay safe.

1. E-Skimming

We’ve warned about skimming before, which is still a very relevant issue, however with the rise of online shopping this year, E-skimming has become more common. E-skimming happens when scammers exploit weak websites and steal the buyer’s information. This is typically done by redirecting the consumer to a new domain.

To prevent this, be very careful and cautious when online shopping. Large, well known sites (like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.) are less likely to fall victim to this scam. However, if you are buying from a lesser known site, be sure the URL starts with https (instead of just http) and double check the URL each time you are redirected to a new page. If something seems fishy, contact the site’s support team before inputting any information.

2. Social Media Scams

Another common online shopping scam involves scammers creating fake social media profiles for shops and items that don’t exist. They advertise to shoppers who then follow the link in the profile, purchase items, give all their info, and then never receive their items.

Prevention tips for social media scams are the same as above: ensure the site is safe and secure, be extra cautious of lesser known sites, and always reach out if something seems unusual.

3. Porch Pirates

While this is a common scam, it’s even more prevalent near the holidays. Criminals tend to steal packages from porches and doorsteps while the buyers are away.

To prevent this, consider a home security camera. You can also be sure to choose tracking while checking out and sign up for shipping alerts. This may not prevent criminals from stealing, but you can at least track it and prove it was stolen rather than lost. If you are ordering online at a local store, you can choose in store or curbside pickup for a safer option.

4. Shipment Updates

Similar to the E-scamming, fraudsters will send an email notifying you a delivery failure. They may ask you to re-enter your information or the link may direct you to malware that steals information from your computer.

As always, the best prevention practice is to be aware and double check any link before clicking on it. If something seems suspicious, it probably is. Double check the sender and the URL before taking any action and if it still seems fishy, reach out to customer support.

5. Fake Charities

The holidays are a time of giving, but unfortunately, scammers tend to take advantage of that.

When donating to a charity, do your research. Make sure it’s a real charity and they have a secure, trusted website. Remember to look for the https at the beginning of the URL. If the charity seems questionable, do a quick Google search before donating.

As always, we recommend eAlerts as an easy and effective way to catch fraud immediately. Secure payment sites like PayPal are also beneficial when online shopping. Stay safe this holiday season!