The Most Wonderful (and Risky) Time of the Year
The holiday season brings out the best in people… but it also brings out holiday scams. Between online shopping, shipping deadlines, and digital donations, the final months of the year are prime time for fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported more than $12.5 billion in losses to fraud in 2024, a figure that continues to rise each year.
As more purchases move online, scammers are finding new ways to blend in with the holiday rush. Here’s how to recognize the most common schemes, stay alert, and protect your finances as you shop, give, and celebrate.
5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams
1. Watch for Fake Retailers and “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals
Fraudulent retailers thrive during the holidays because consumers are distracted and eager to save. Scam websites often copy the logos, color schemes, and product photos of legitimate brands, but their deals and checkout processes can quickly lead to stolen card data or fake merchandise.
Before you buy, slow down and verify the source. Look closely at the website address, as scam sites often use misspellings or slightly altered domains. Avoid third-party links from social media ads or unsolicited emails, and use payment methods that include purchase protection. If a deal feels unrealistic, it probably is.
2. Stay Skeptical of Delivery and Shipping Notifications
Package tracking emails and texts are another favorite scam tactic. A message claiming to be from a carrier like UPS or FedEx might tell you that a shipment is delayed or requires an address confirmation. One click on the embedded link can install malware or lead to a spoofed login page.
Instead of following links, track deliveries directly through the carrier’s official website or app. Bookmark the correct pages for frequent use, and never provide personal or payment information to resolve a supposed “delivery issue.”
3. Verify Charities Before You Donate
The holiday season is also a season of giving and scammers exploit that generosity by setting up fake charities that collect money for causes that don’t exist. Others impersonate legitimate nonprofits using similar names or web addresses.
If you plan to donate, verify the organization through a reputable source such as CharityNavigator.org or Give.org. Don’t donate via text, social media message, or email link unless you initiated the contact. Keep receipts for all charitable contributions and confirm that the organization is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS.
4. Protect Yourself on Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps
More consumers are using person-to-person payment apps to send money for gifts, holiday events, or online marketplace purchases. Unfortunately, once money leaves your account, it’s often impossible to recover if the transaction was fraudulent.
Only send funds through trusted platforms to people you know personally. Never use apps like Zelle® or Venmo to pay for products you haven’t received or to transfer money to unfamiliar contacts. URSB customers who use Zelle® should confirm the recipient’s details before every transaction and contact the bank immediately if something seems suspicious.
5. Make Account Monitoring a Habit
Fraud prevention isn’t just about what happens online. It’s about maintaining awareness. Review your bank and credit card statements regularly throughout the season, watching for even small unauthorized charges that can signal larger issues.
URSB customers can enable real-time alerts in Online or Mobile Banking to receive notifications of new transactions. These instant updates help identify irregular activity before it escalates. Keeping your contact information current also ensures we can reach you quickly if potential fraud is detected.
A Safer Season Starts with Awareness
The holidays are meant for connection and celebration—not frustration over fraud. By verifying sources, monitoring accounts, and using trusted financial tools, you can shop and give with confidence.
If you suspect suspicious activity or need help setting up account alerts, contact our team at 732-541-5445, fill out our online contact form, or stop by your local URSB branch.
For more information about identity protection and scam prevention, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at identitytheft.gov
