The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and, unfortunately, a spike in scams targeting those busy with holiday shopping, donating to charities, and even looking for seasonal jobs. To help you protect yourself and your loved ones, we’re sharing essential tips to keep your holiday season secure and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of fraud.

Beware of Impersonation Sites and Fake Retailers

The convenience of online shopping comes with the risk of stumbling across fraudulent websites. Scammers often create fake retail sites that look incredibly similar to legitimate retailers, hoping to trick you into entering personal or payment information.

Check the URL: One of the easiest ways to spot a fake website is by checking the URL carefully. Some common signs to look for are typos or extra characters, such as Amz0n.com instead of Amazon.com. When browsing on a computer, hover over links with your mouse to ensure the actual URL matches the text link.

Research unknown sites: If you’re not familiar with a website, take a few moments to look it up online. Search for reviews or complaints, which can reveal if others have had negative experiences with the site. This quick check can save you from falling victim to scams.

Verify the Legitimacy of Charities and Fundraisers

The holidays inspire many people to donate to charities, but scammers often exploit this goodwill by creating fake charities and fundraisers. Before you give, make sure your donation is going to a legitimate organization.

Research the charity: Use resources like the IRS charity database or Charity Navigator to confirm a charity’s legitimacy. These tools provide essential information about an organization’s track record and financial practices.

Choose secure payment methods: To protect your donation, stick to secure payment options like credit cards or checks. Avoid giving cash, wire transfers, or gift cards, which are difficult to trace and offer little recourse if a scam does occur.

Recognize Red Flags in Seasonal Job Postings

The demand for seasonal workers often increases during the holiday season, but so do fake job postings. Scammers lure applicants with attractive positions only to collect personal information or money.

Watch for generic job descriptions: Vague or overly generic job descriptions can be a sign of a scam. Be wary of postings that require personal information upfront or have mismatched contact emails, which can indicate a fraudulent employer.

Beware of “interview” scams: Legitimate employers typically conduct interviews in person, by phone, or on secure online platforms—not by text. If a potential employer only wants to communicate by text and makes suspicious requests, it’s likely a scam.

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Holiday scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but with a bit of caution and diligence, you can protect yourself. Always double-check websites, research charities, and scrutinize job postings. By staying alert to these common tactics, you’ll be able to enjoy the season without falling victim to holiday scams. Check out our Fraud Center for more tips on recognizing and avoiding fraud.