As the holiday season approaches, so does the unfortunate rise in scams aiming to take advantage of the spirit of giving and increased consumer activity. Viking Client Services is invested in safeguarding consumers and businesses, so it's important to us to shed light on specific scams that peak during this time of the year. In this blog, we'll delve into several specific scams to watch for during the holidays and provide practical tips to help you stay vigilant and protect yourself at any time of year.
Holiday Scams to Be Prepared For
Fake Charity Scams:
The holiday season often sees a surge in charitable giving, making it prime time for scammers to exploit people's generosity. Fake charities may use sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, but with a few simple steps, you can quickly reveal whether they are authentic. First, pay attention and be critical about grammar, spelling, and phrasing. Additionally, verify the legitimacy of a charity before taking any actions. Conduct a quick online search or reach out to the organization directly before giving anyone your information or donating money.
Fake Promotions or Contests:
Be cautious when you receive notifications claiming you've won a drawing or a prize. Scammers often use these tactics to extract personal information. Avoid clicking on pop-ups while online and never provide personal information to a source you cannot validate. Legitimate promotions or contests typically won't require detailed personal information up front.
Temporary Job Scams:
The holiday season sees an influx of temporary job openings, especially in the retail sector. Use caution when evaluating these opportunities. If a job offer seems too good to be true or requires upfront payment for training or supplies, it's likely a scam. Research the company thoroughly and always trust your instincts.
Everyday Scams with New Holiday Momentum
Package Delivery Issues:
With the increase of online shopping during the holidays, package-related scams become more prevalent. Beware of texts or emails claiming issues with package delivery and urging you to click on links or call provided customer service numbers. Instead, verify delivery concerns independently by looking up the customer service number through a reliable source.
Fake Invoices/Receipts:
Scammers take advantage of the holiday shopping frenzy by sending convincing fake invoices or receipts. These communications often include innocuous attachments from valid-looking sources that cause recipients to think that they have been charged for a renewal payment or subscription fee. Always scrutinize such documents and verify the customer service number independently, through an online search or the company's official website.
Year-Round Tips for Protecting Yourself from Scams
Never Give Out Financial Information:
Protect your banking information, online login details, and credit card information. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information through unsolicited emails, texts, or calls.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links or Attachments:
Resist the temptation to click on links or open attachments in emails or texts from unknown sources. Scammers can also create fake login pages to capture your account details. Navigate to login pages independently, rather than clicking on links provided in texts and emails.
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is:
Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, such as winning a free vacation or contest you didn't enter. If an offer seems too good to be true, take a step back and dig into its legitimacy.
Verify Companies Before Purchasing:
Before making a purchase, especially from unfamiliar companies, conduct online research, read customer reviews, and check if the business is certified. Legitimate businesses will have a visible online presence and positive feedback from customers.
Be Cautious About Unsolicited Contact:
It's safer to give sensitive information to someone you contact rather than someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Scammers often initiate contact to manipulate individuals into divulging personal details.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s key to stay informed about new scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. By being vigilant, verifying information independently, and following these general tips, you can navigate the season with confidence and avoid falling victim to these scams. A cautious approach is the best defense against fraud all year long.
