6 Shopping Scams And How To Avoid Them This Holiday Season

Spooky season is here, and it’s finally time to feel good about buying the Halloween candy that’s been on shelves since July. But it ALSO means the biggest online shopping day of the YEAR is just weeks away: Cyber Monday. Unfortunately, it’s also open season for cybercriminals—and that’s truly scary. Because preparation is the best prevention, we’re covering the six most common shopping scams this time of year and how to avoid them.

It’s Open Season For Shopping Scams

Thanks to cybercriminals, what should be a festive season of shopping can turn dangerous for consumers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, shopping scams were the second most prevalent scam type in the U.S. in 2023, with scams peaking around the holidays. TransUnion’s Global Digital Fraud Trends report found a 127% increase in daily fraud attempts between November 24 and 28 compared to earlier in the year.

The reason? High shopping volumes make it easier for cybercriminals to find victims. Plus, last-minute shopping pressure and excitement around scoring big deals lead to risky decisions, like clicking on unverified links, using public WiFi for transactions, and ignoring security warnings. Cybercriminals know this and rely on tried-and-true tactics to steal your money.

6 Common Scams During Black Friday And Cyber Monday—And How to Avoid Them

1. Fake Coupons: Scammers share fake coupons promising huge discounts through email, social media, and websites mimicking legitimate retailers. If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
   How to avoid: Verify coupons on the retailer’s official website or app, and don’t click links in unsolicited emails.

2. Phony Websites: Fake websites steal personal info by imitating legitimate stores with similar logos, branding, and URLs that are just slightly different from real sites.
   How to avoid: Look for HTTPS and a padlock in the address bar. Check reviews and research legitimacy before making purchases. Double-check for any unusual characters in the URL.

3. Fake Delivery Scams: Scammers send fake delivery alerts or claim packages are undeliverable to get your personal info.
   How to avoid: Track orders directly through the retailer’s website or app. Avoid clicking suspicious links, and ignore unsolicited delivery messages.

4. “Order Issue” Scams: These emails pretend to report order problems and ask for personal details, often appearing to come from popular retailers.
   How to avoid: Contact customer service through official channels to verify any issues, and don’t share personal details through unsolicited message links.

5. Account Verification Scams: Scammers request account verification via email or text, often linking to fake login pages.
   How to avoid: Never share personal details via unsolicited message links. Log in directly to your account through the official website.

6. Gift Card Scams: Scammers offer discounted gift cards or request payment via gift cards. Once the card numbers are provided, the scammer uses the balance, leaving the victim with a worthless card.
   How to avoid: Buy gift cards from reputable retailers and never use them as payment to unknown individuals.

Avoid Scams And Create A Safer Shopping Experience

Nothing kills the holiday shopping spirit like $1,000 in fraudulent charges or gifts from phony sites that never arrive. Cybercriminals take advantage of the holiday rush, and the risks consumers take only amplify the danger. By verifying sources, checking website security, and avoiding unsolicited links, you can enjoy a safer shopping experience this season!

Ready to secure your online experience this season? Connect with our experts for tailored advice on how to stay safe.