The holiday season is here once again and before you dive headfirst into the holiday cheer, it’s that time of year when we ask you to channel your inner Scrooge—and no, we’re not talking about being mean but rather being shrewd when it comes to sharing information online.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve revised and updated this list of Christmas scams to reflect the evolving tactics of fraudsters. This year is no different: we bring you the latest and most pressing threats to watch out for in 2024. Stay sharp, stay informed, and keep the joy of the season intact.
1. AI-Generated Phishing Scams
Advances in artificial intelligence have allowed scammers to create highly convincing phishing emails that appear to come from trusted brands, such as banks, online retailers, or delivery services. These emails often include urgent requests to click on links or download attachments, leading to malware infections or theft of sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify emails directly with the source before clicking links.
- Avoid responding to unsolicited messages.
- Be wary of emails with grammatical errors or unusual sender addresses.
2. Social Media Marketplace Scams
Scammers prey on holiday shoppers by offering “exclusive” deals on must-have gifts through social media ads or marketplace listings. These items are often non-existent, and victims either lose their money or have their payment information stolen.
How to Protect Yourself
- Research sellers’ credentials and look for independent reviews.
- Stick to buying from reputable platforms with buyer protection.
3. Fake Online Stores
Cybercriminals set up fake e-commerce websites that mimic legitimate retailers. They use professional designs, fake reviews, and deep discounts to entice shoppers. Once payment is made, victims either receive counterfeit items or nothing at all.
How to Protect Yourself
Check URLs for misspellings and ensure they use HTTPS encryption.
Verify sites through trusted review platforms or forums.
Look for contact details and check online reviews.
4. Cryptocurrency Payment Scams
With cryptocurrency gaining popularity once again, scammers are increasingly asking for payments in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. They claim it’s a secure and fast payment method, but crypto transactions are irreversible, leaving no recourse for victims.
How to Protect Yourself
Use traceable payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.
Be suspicious of anyone insisting on cryptocurrency payments.
5. Bogus Delivery Notifications
During the busy shopping season, scammers exploit the high volume of deliveries by sending fake notifications via email or text. These messages claim a package couldn’t be delivered and urge recipients to click a link to resolve the issue, leading to phishing sites or malware.
How to Protect Yourself
Track deliveries only via official courier websites or apps.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited notifications and instead contact the courier directly.
6. Holiday Subscription Traps
Subscription traps lure victims with free trials or exclusive holiday discounts. The fine print often includes hidden recurring fees, which are difficult to cancel. Victims may not realise they’ve subscribed until unauthorised charges appear on their accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Read terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
Monitor your bank statements for unexpected charges.
7. Charity Fraud Schemes
Scammers exploit the season of giving by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones. They use emotional appeals to solicit donations, often through social media or email campaigns, but the money never reaches those in need.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify charities through the Charities Regulator or trusted registers.
Donate directly via official charity websites rather than through third-party links.
8. Gift Card Scams
Fraudsters sell counterfeit or empty gift cards at discounted prices through unofficial channels. Victims either receive invalid cards or cards with a zero balance.
How to Protect Yourself
Purchase gift cards only from authorised retailers.
Keep receipts and check balances immediately upon purchase.
9. Counterfeit High-End Goods
Luxury goods like designer bags, watches, or electronics are often targeted by counterfeiters who offer these items at heavily discounted prices. Buyers end up with fake products or nothing at all.
How to Protect Yourself
Be cautious of unverified sellers offering large discounts.
Research the seller thoroughly and check for authenticity guarantees.
10. Job Scams for Seasonal Work
Fake job postings for holiday positions lure job seekers with promises of quick earnings. Scammers often ask for upfront fees for training, uniforms, or background checks, or steal personal information during the application process.
How to Protect Yourself
Remember legitimate employers never require payment.
Research companies before applying, and be wary of unsolicited job offers.
11.QR Code Scams
Scammers place fake QR codes on posters, emails, or websites. Scanning these codes redirects victims to phishing sites or initiates malware downloads.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify QR codes before scanning by checking their source.
Avoid codes from unsolicited messages or unknown senders.
12. Malicious E-cards
Festive e-cards are a charming way to send greetings, but scammers use them to deliver malware or redirect recipients to phishing websites. These fraudulent e-cards often look like they’re from trusted contacts.
How to Protect Yourself
Open e-cards only from trusted senders.
Verify their legitimacy before clicking any links.
How to Stay Safe This Christmas
Embrace the vigilance of Scrooge this Christmas to protect your personal and financial information. Here are some essential tips to safeguard yourself:
Stay Educated: Share this information with family and friends, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to scams.
Strengthen Cybersecurity: Use unique, strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Verify Everything: Whether it’s an offer, an email, or a website, take time to ensure it’s legitimate before taking action.
Stay Alert to Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Pause and think before acting.
By keeping your inner Scrooge on high alert and embracing a healthy dose of scepticism, you can outwit the scammers trying to dampen your festive spirit. Whether it’s avoiding too-good-to-be-true deals, verifying charities, or staying cautious with unsolicited communications, a little extra caution can go a long way in safeguarding your personal data and finances.
Let’s make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons—stay informed, stay vigilant and stay safe. Happy Christmas!
