Protect Yourself from the Six Scams of Christmas
1. Charity Scams
Scammers often pose as charitable organizations to trick you into donating money.
What to watch for:
- Fake charities that pressure you to donate immediately or provide vague details about how donations are used.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify organizations through trusted platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar before donating.
2. Letters from Santa (Including Phishing)
Emails claiming to be from “Santa” or urgent holiday messages may request your personal details or trick you into clicking malicious links.
What to watch for:
- Generic greetings, unusual sender addresses, or requests for sensitive information.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details via email. When in doubt, delete the message or report it to IT.
3. Gift Card Scams
Scammers may send fake gift cards for popular sites like Amazon or Google or request payment using gift cards.
What to watch for:
- Requests to buy gift cards as payment or emails offering “free” gift cards in exchange for your information.
How to protect yourself:
- Never share gift card codes or purchase gift cards from unverified sources. Fake gift cards often result in financial loss.
4. Shopping Scams
Fake websites and fraudulent sellers often pop up during the holidays, offering deals that seem too good to be true.
What to watch for:
- Unfamiliar websites, unusually low prices, or lack of customer reviews.
How to protect yourself:
- Stick to trusted retailers and double-check websites before completing your purchase. Look for “https” in the URL and secure payment methods.
5. Travel Scams
Scammers advertise fake holiday getaways or too-good-to-be-true travel deals.
What to watch for:
- Unusually cheap vacation packages or requests for payment through untraceable methods.
How to protect yourself:
- Only book travel through verified platforms and research reviews before making payments.
6. Fake Job Offers
Seasonal job scams prey on holiday job seekers, often asking for upfront payments or personal details.
What to watch for:
- Jobs that require upfront fees for “training” or equipment, or vague job descriptions.
How to protect yourself:
- Research the employer and never pay for a job opportunity. Legitimate employers won’t ask for money.
Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity or emails to NVC IT at 210-486-4777.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and double-check before taking action.
Let’s work together to keep this holiday season merry, bright, and scam-free!