He’s sneaky, he’s sly, and this year… he’s emailing you about a “can’t-miss-holiday-deal.”
Scammers are more creative than ever, mixing holiday spirit with digital mischief. But don’t worry, we’ve made a list (and yes, we checked it twice) of the sneakiest scams you’ll want to avoid this season.
READ MORE | The naughty list: BBB's 12 scams of the holidays
💻 Fake 'too-good-to-be-true' online deals
If that trendy gadget or designer bag is 80% off on an unfamiliar site, it’s probably not real. Scammers are setting up fake online stores that look legitimate, complete with professional logos and product photos.
- Shop with trusted retailers or through verified links.
- Check for https:// in the web address and read reviews before you buy.
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card for extra fraud protection.
📦 Fake delivery or tracking notifications
“Your package couldn’t be delivered — click here to reschedule.” Sound familiar? Scammers send fake texts or emails pretending to be from delivery companies like UPS or FedEx, hoping you’ll click a link that steals your personal information.
- Don't click on links in unexpected messages.
- Go directly to the delivery company's website or app to check your tracking number.
- Remember: real companies won't ask for payment to redeliver a package.
💳 Gift card scams
Gift cards make great presents...and easy targets for scammers. Some ask for payment in gift cards (“Pay your bill with gift cards or your account will be locked!”), while others sell “discounted” gift cards that are already drained.
- Never use gift cards to pay a stranger or resolve a supposed issue.
- Buy gift cards directly from trusted stores.
- If someone asks for the number and PIN on the back, it's a scam.
READ MORE | FBI's list of common holiday scams
💰 Fake charities or donations
The holidays inspire generosity...and scammers know it. They create fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns, especially after local disasters or community events, to trick donors into sending money.
- Research charities on sites like Charity Navigator or Give.org.
- Donate directly through a charity's verified website and not via links in texts or social media messages.
- Watch out for high-pressure tactics or emotional pleas that demand immediate payment.
✅ Final thoughts on this year's holiday shopping
- Keep your device software and banking apps updated.
- Enable account alerts to monitor unusual activity. (Using HB Alerts can help with that)
- If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and STOP before you click.
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.