Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

Black Friday is almost here, and while shoppers are hunting for bargains, scammers are working overtime.
The reality is that the holidays are prime time for cybercriminals. They’re counting on people being distracted, rushing to snag deals, track packages, and buy gifts before time runs out.
Last year, Americans reported losing nearly $16 billion to fraud, and unfortunately, older adults were hit especially hard. The real number is likely much higher because many scams never get reported.
So what should we watch out for this holiday season?
The Fake Delivery Text
This is probably the hottest scam making the rounds right now. You get a text saying:
“Your package is delayed.”
“We need your address.”
“Click here to pay a small delivery fee.”
The problem is you may actually be expecting a package, so the message feels legitimate.
Remember: Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS don’t randomly text you asking for personal information or payment through a strange link.
If you get one of these messages, don’t tap. Go directly to the shipper’s website or app and check the tracking number yourself.

Social Media Deals That Are Too Good To Be True
If you see a $400 item advertised for $49 with “today only” pricing, pause.
Scammers build professional-looking websites that copy legitimate stores. The photos are real, the logos look right, but once you pay, the item never arrives.
A good rule of thumb:
If the discount seems unbelievable, it’s probably not a bargain. It’s bait.

Fake Bank Fraud Alerts
Another common trick is the fake fraud alert. You receive a text, email, or phone call asking:
“Did you authorize a $499 purchase?”
The message creates instant panic. You call the number provided, and suddenly you’re talking to someone who sounds like they’re from your bank.
They’re not.
Never use the number in the message. Instead, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

AI Voice Cloning
This scam is particularly scary. Criminals can now use artificial intelligence to clone a person’s voice from just a few seconds of audio found online.
A grandparent might receive a frantic call from a “grandchild” claiming they’ve been arrested, injured, or stranded and need money immediately. The voice sounds real because it may be an AI-generated copy.
Before sending any money, contact another family member and verify the story.

The Gift Card Red Flag
Here’s a simple rule everyone should remember:
No legitimate business, government agency, utility company, or bank will ever demand payment using gift cards.
Not Amazon cards.
Not Apple cards.
Not Target cards.
If someone insists on being paid with gift cards, it’s a scam. One hundred percent.

Three Golden Rules for Holiday Shopping
If you remember only three things today, make them these:
1. Slow down. Scammers win when they create urgency.
2. Don’t click. Open your browser and go directly to the company website yourself.
3. Hang up and call back. Use a number you know is real, not one provided in a text, email, or pop-up message.

Bonus Quick Tips
• Shop only on websites that begin with https://
• Use a credit card rather than a debit card when possible because fraud protections are generally stronger.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication for your shopping, banking, and email accounts.
• Keep your phone, computer, and apps updated.
• Monitor your credit card statements throughout the holiday season instead of waiting until January.

Closing Thoughts
The biggest warning sign in almost every scam is urgency. The scammer wants you scared. They want you excited. They want you reacting in a hurry.
The safest thing you can do this holiday season isn’t buying new security software. It’s simply slowing down. Take a breath, think before you click, and remember: the best deal of the season is the one that doesn’t cost you your identity.

Pam’s November Booklet is “Don’t Let a Turkey Steal Your Stuffing or a Scammer Steal Your Savings”
Safe Browsing & Online Scams