How to outsmart holiday scammers

As the holiday season approaches, scammers are ramping up their efforts, taking advantage of the surge in online shopping, travel planning, and charitable giving. 

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from falling victim to holiday scams.

Fake travel deals and accommodation scams 

Scammers set up fake listings for popular holiday destinations, offering steep discounts to lure in unsuspecting travellers. Often, these listings require immediate payment or unusual methods like wire transfers or gift cards. If you’re booking online, stick with reputable sites, read reviews, and avoid any requests for unusual payment methods. 

Online shopping scams

With holiday sales everywhere, fake online stores and deceptive ads are common. These scams often involve websites or social media accounts impersonating well-known brands to offer “exclusive deals.” Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with trusted retailers, be cautious of unsolicited links, and use secure payment methods like credit cards for added protection. 

Parcel delivery scams

As more packages are in transit, scammers send fake notifications claiming there’s an issue with your delivery. Messages prompt you to click a link to resolve the problem like paying a small fee or providing your personal details, but these links often lead to malware or phishing sites. If you receive a suspicious message about a missed delivery, verify it by checking with the delivery provider directly. Avoid clicking on links and remember to never give your sensitive details away like your card number, passwords, or pins. 

Charity scams

During the holiday season, scammers take advantage of people’s goodwill, impersonating legitimate charities or setting up fake ones. Be cautious if a charity request feels high-pressure or comes through unsolicited calls or messages. To confirm a charity’s legitimacy, research it directly and avoid clicking on links in messages.

Verify travel and accommodation listings 

Book only through trusted platforms, and check reviews and details across multiple sources. Avoid offers that demand quick payments or push for direct bank transfers. 

Be cautious with online deals 

Limit your online shopping to official websites and avoid clicking links in emails or social media ads from unfamiliar sources. Deals that seem too good to be true often are. Using secure payment methods, also provides added protection. 

Approach delivery notifications carefully 

If you receive a text or email about a missed package or delivery, don’t click any links. Instead, contact the delivery service directly or check the status on their official site. Legitimate companies will not require immediate responses through unconventional methods. 

Confirm charities before donating 

Only donate to charities you know and trust. You can research legitimate charities online and donate directly through their websites to ensure your contributions are safe. 

If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, it’s essential to act quickly: 

• Stop all contact with the scammer: Stop all communication with the suspected scammer, no matter what they say. If possible, head to your banking app and change your password.  
• Contact your bank immediately: If you think your bank details have been compromised, report the issue to your bank or financial institution right away. They can help secure your accounts and prevent further unauthorised access. 
• Report the scam: Share your story, help stop future scams. To report a scam head to Scamwatch or Report Cyber.