Avoid These Scams During the Holidays

The holiday season is all about joy, giving, and celebration. But for scammers, it’s the perfect opportunity to target busy, distracted shoppers. Cybercriminals take advantage of the festive spirit and find ways to steal your money or personal information. This guide will walk you through the most common holiday scams, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you fall victim.

Common Types of Holiday Fraud

Knowing the tricks that scammers use can help you steer clear of their schemes. Here are some of the most common holiday scams to keep an eye on this season:

1. Fake Charities

The season of giving is a prime time for fake charities to surface. Scammers create fake charities or legitimate-looking websites to steal donations. They often use recent events (like natural disasters or humanitarian crises) to tug at your heartstrings.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of charities with names that sound similar to other well-known organizations.
• Research the charity before making a donation. Check websites like GuideStar or Charity Navigator to confirm the charity’s legitimacy and find out how they manage donations.
• Donate directly through the official website—not through links sent via email or social media.

2. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they are also a favorite tool for scammers. Some criminals tamper with gift cards in stores by scratching off the PIN, then they wait to spend the money once the card is purchased and activated. Other scammers trick people into paying them with gift cards. They pretend to be from a utility company, the IRS, or even a loved one, claiming that gift cards are the only way to send money quickly.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only buy gift cards from trusted retailers and inspect them carefully before purchasing.
• Never use gift cards as a payment method, especially if you’re paying someone you don’t know.
• Always remember that legitimate organizations and government agencies will never ask for payment in gift cards.

3. Delivery Notification Scams

Fraudsters disguise themselves as delivery companies, sending fake emails, texts, or calls about undelivered packages or “issues with your order.” These messages usually contain links to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never click on links in unsolicited messages.
• Track your packages through the retailer’s or courier’s official website.
• Look for signs of phishing, such as typos, suspicious phone numbers or email addresses, generic greetings (“Dear Customer”), or overly urgent language.

4. Online Shopping Scams & False Ads

Online shopping fraud skyrockets during the holiday season. Scammers create look-alike websites or untrustworthy ads, selling counterfeit items or stealing payment information. These fraudulent advertisements are often found on social media platforms.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be wary of deals and prices that seem “too good to be true”—they usually are scams.
• If you come across something you'd like to buy from a social media ad, research the retailer before Look at customer reviews to see others' experiences and confirm that the retailer’s contact information (like a phone number or email address) is valid and works.
• Stick to trusted retailers or well-established platforms for online shopping.

How to Prevent Holiday Scams

Avoiding scams largely comes down to staying informed and cautious. Follow these practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.

• When in Doubt, Verify: Always go to the original source. Whether it’s a retailer, charity, or delivery service, visit their official website or contact them through verified channels.
• Protect Your Information: Never provide personal or financial information unless you are absolutely sure the request is legitimate. Scammers are masters of making communication look authentic.
• Avoid Sending Money to Strangers: Do not send money to someone you haven’t met in person, especially if they contacted you out of the blue.
• Beware of Social Media Interactions: Profiles can be hacked or impersonated. Even if a request comes from someone you trust, double-check before engaging.
• Know the Common Red Flags: Legitimate government agencies will never ask for payment via social media, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Also, if someone claims you have “won” something but requests the money upfront, it’s 100% a scam.

I Got Scammed. Now What?

Falling victim to a scam can be upsetting, especially during the holiday season. However, acting quickly can help you limit the damage. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, here’s what you should do next:

1. Contact Your Bank: Alert your bank, especially if you have sent any payments or shared financial details with potential fraudsters. You may need to freeze your accounts temporarily.
2. Change Passwords: Update your passwords and security questions for important accounts to prevent further unauthorized access, especially the ones tied to financial or personal information.
3. Document Everything: Save all communications related to the scam, including emails, texts, call logs, and receipts. These could be useful for reporting purposes or investigations.
4. Report the Scam: Notify local law enforcement, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
5. Notify Trusted Contacts: Inform friends and family about the scam, especially if they might also be targeted (e.g., through hacked social media accounts).

By acting quickly, you can help limit the impact of fraud on your personal information and money.

Fraud Resources at Academy Bank

The holiday season is meant for joy and giving—not stress and falling victim to scams. Stay informed, take precautions, and share what you know to help protect yourself and others. A little knowledge can go a long way in keeping everyone safe during the holidays.

Your security comes first at Academy Bank. If you suspect you have been targeted in a scam, here’s how to contact us:

• Log into your Online or Mobile Banking account and send a secure message through the chat feature.
• Visit academybank.com and use the chat bubble to request to speak with a banker. (Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Central Time; AND Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Central Time).
• Call the Academy Bank Client Care line at 877-712-2265. (Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM, Central Time).

Remember, Academy Bank will NEVER ask for your personal information, account numbers, or passwords via phone, text, or email. Always verify suspicious requests, and contact us for more help.

Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season for all!

FINANCIAL EDUCATION: Scams & Fraud; Preventing ID Theft; Reporting ID Theft; Fraud Alerts & Freezes; Mobile Security Tips; Visa Card Security.

SCAM-SPECIFIC RESOURCES: General Cybersecurity; Spotting Common Scams; Safe Checking Practices; SIM Swapping Scams; Phishing Emails; Phone Scams; Text Scams; Crypto Investment Scams; Pig-Butchering Scams; Elder Financial Abuse; Business Fraud; Tax Return Security.