In this week’s Tuesday Tip video, holiday scams are surging, so we share, “Holiday scams to watch out for, 4 red flags, a simple verify-first habit, and how to protect your money and identity during the busy season. Please watch the video below, or read the transcript that follows, to learn more.
This week, I’d like to discuss holiday scams to watch out for: Four red flags to protect yourself. It’s holiday season, which, unfortunately, brings out the worst in the bad actors out there. These scams often look most convincing when you’re busiest. And that’s what happens, especially when it gets hectic during the holiday season.
Overview
Today I’ll discuss four red flags, plus one simple habit that can protect you without turning you into a full-time fraud detective. If you’re in a transition, such as divorce, widowhood, empty nest, or a new job, you’re already carrying a lot. As a result, I intend to keep this light, practical, and easy to remember.
Red flag #1: Unexpected delivery texts
Red flag number one is the unexpected delivery text. You get a message saying there’s a problem with your package; for example, unpaid postage, missed delivery, or “update your shipping preferences,” and there’s a link. This is often called smishing, basically phishing by text.
What this means for you: Don’t use the link.
A simple first step: open the retailer’s website or the carrier’s app directly and check tracking there. If it’s real, you’ll see it in the official place too.
Red flag #2: Too-good-to-be-true deals and lookalike stores
Red flag number two is the deal that feels unreal. Huge discounts, luxury items at prices that make you blink, or an ad that takes you to a site you’ve never heard of. Fake stores and misleading ads are common around the holidays.
Gently watch out for: odd URLs, misspellings, missing return policies, or pressure like countdown timers.
Try this: search the store name plus “scam,” and type the website address yourself instead of clicking the ad.
Red flag #3: Stop-sign payment requests
Red flag number three is how they want to get paid. If someone insists on gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, treat that as a stop sign. Law enforcement routinely warns that scammers push these payment methods because they’re difficult to reverse.
What this means for you: For online shopping, a credit card can offer stronger dispute options than many other methods. And for donations, avoid anyone who asks for gift cards, crypto, or wires.
Red flag #4: Emotional urgency and charity pressure
Red flag number four is emotional urgency. “Act now.” “Don’t tell anyone.” “This is your last chance.” This shows up in fake charity appeals and social posts designed to tug on your generosity.
A simple first step: Verify the charity independently. Donate through the official website, not via a link that appeared in your feed or inbox.
Caution + a habit
Caution: if something almost gets you, don’t beat yourself up. These messages are designed to catch you when you’re distracted.
Here’s the habit: Pause. Verify. Then act.
When money or personal info is involved, pause for ten seconds, then verify using a channel you choose, the official app, the website you type in yourself, or a known phone number. Then act.
Quick Re-cap
Quick recap of holiday scams to watch out for: Unexpected delivery texts, too-good-to-be-true deals, stop-sign payment methods, and emotional urgency.
And if you’d like a calm, clear plan, schedule a call. For more weekly guidance and reminders like this, subscribe. One more time: These are holiday scams to watch out for, and a ten-second pause can make all the difference.
FAQs: Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
1) What are the most common holiday scams to watch out for?
Fake delivery texts, lookalike shopping sites, gift card payment demands, and fake charity appeals.
2) I got a delivery text. How do I check if it’s real?
Do not click the link. Check tracking by opening the retailer or carrier app or typing the website yourself.
3) Why are gift cards a red flag?
They are hard to reverse, and scammers can drain the value quickly once the code is shared.
4) How can I donate safely during the holidays?
Verify the charity independently, then donate through the official website, not through a link sent to you
If you want the other side of holiday decisions, spending and generosity with intention, check out your posts “How Much Is Enough During the Holiday Season?” and “Financial Gifts for the Holidays.”
Our practice continues to benefit from referrals from our clients and friends. Thank you for your trust and confidence.
We hope you find the above post valuable. If you would like to talk to us about financial topics, including your investments, creating a financial plan, saving for college, or saving for retirement, please complete our contact form. We will be in touch. You can also schedule a call or a virtual meeting via Zoom.
Follow us: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
Please note. We post information about articles we think can help you make better money-related decisions on LinkedIn and Facebook.
For firm disclosures, see here: https://apprisewealth.com/disclosures/
