Keep your holidays merry and your money secure.
The holidays are a time for connection, generosity, and celebration, and we love seeing our community come together to share gifts and good cheer. However, this busy season also brings an increase in fraudulent activity. Scammers know we’re distracted by shopping lists, travel plans, and festive gatherings, and they often try to take advantage of our generosity.
To help you stay alert, we’ve reimagined a holiday classic! Let’s take a look at the 12 days of holiday scams, a guide to the most common tricks fraudsters use during the season, along with simple steps you can take for your financial security.
Day 1: The gift card scam
One of the most prevalent holiday scams involves gift cards. In this scenario, you might receive an urgent email or text message that appears to be from someone you know. This person claims they’re in a bind and need you to buy gift cards and send them the numbers on the back immediately.
Always remember that legitimate organizations and friends will never demand payment via gift cards. If you get a request like this, pause and call the person directly on a known number to verify if they contacted you.
Day 2: Fake charity pleas
During the holidays, our hearts are open to giving. Sadly, scammers are known to set up fake charities to steal donations meant for good causes. This might come in the form of a phone call, email, or social media post asking for help with disaster relief or holiday drives.
We encourage you to give, but we want your money to go where it truly helps. Before you donate, take a moment to verify the charity and their EIN number, using resources like Charity Navigator, Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, or Candid.
Day 3: "Look-alike" online stores
During this time of year, don’t be surprised to see an ad on social media for a popular toy or gadget at an unbelievably low price. But be wary! Sometimes when you click the link, you’ll land on a website that looks exactly like a major retailer's site. Everything seems normal, but the URL is slightly off.
These look-alike sites are designed to steal your credit card information. When you make a purchase, you never receive the item and your data is compromised. We recommend sticking to trusted retailers and always double-check the website address before entering payment information. Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Day 4: The delivery notification trap
With packages arriving almost daily, it’s easy to lose track of what’s coming and when. Scammers can send fake text messages or emails claiming a delivery "failed" or "needs more information." They’ll then ask you to click a link to reschedule or pay a small redelivery fee.
Clicking these links can download malware onto your device or lead to a fake form that can compromise your personal information and financial security. If you’re unsure about a package, don’t click the link. Instead, go directly to the carrier's official website and use the tracking number you received when you ordered the item.
Day 5: Grandparent holiday scams
This holiday scam targets the deep bond we share with our families. A scammer calls, pretending to be a grandchild or a relative in distress. They might claim to be in jail, in the hospital, or stuck in a foreign country, begging for money to be wired immediately.
This can be terrifying, but we’re here to remind you to stay calm. This holiday fraud tactic is counting on your panic. Hang up and call your family member directly or call another relative to verify the location of the person who supposedly called.
Day 6: Temporary holiday jobs
Many people look for extra work during the holidays to boost their budget. Fraudsters post fake job listings for positions like "mystery shopper" or "package handler." These jobs often require you to pay for a starter kit, or they send you a fake check to buy supplies, asking you to wire back the difference.
Legitimate employers will never compromise your financial security and ask you to pay to get a job. If you’re asked to deposit a check and send money back, stop immediately. This is a classic holiday fraud check scheme.
Day 7: Social media gift exchanges
You may see a social media post inviting you to a gift exchange. The promise is enticing where you buy one gift for $10 and receive up to 36 gifts in return. It sounds like a fun community event, but it’s actually a holiday fraud pyramid scheme.
Participating means you’re sharing your home address and personal information with strangers. We suggest keeping your gift exchanges within your known circle of friends and family. It’s safer for your financial security and much more personal!
Day 8: Fake travel deals
Planning a holiday getaway? Be wary of unsolicited emails or pop-up ads offering luxury vacations for incredibly low prices. These scams often require you to pay a "booking fee" to lock in the rate, but the reservation never exists.
Be sure to book directly through airlines and hotels or use trusted travel agencies. If you receive an offer out of the blue, research the company and look for reviews from other travelers.
Day 9: E-card viruses
Digital greeting cards are a convenient and eco-friendly way to send holiday wishes. However, scammers can send fake e-cards containing malicious links. When you click to "view your card," you might inadvertently download spyware or a virus that compromises your computer.
For your financial security, only open e-cards from people you know and trust. If the sender's name looks suspicious or the subject line contains spelling errors, delete the email.
Day 10: Hot item scalping
Every year, there’s a "must-have" toy or gaming console that sells out everywhere. Fraudsters prey on desperate parents by setting up listings for these sold-out items at premium prices. After you pay, the item never arrives.
We understand the pressure to make the holidays magical for your kids. However, buying from unverified sellers on marketplaces or forums is risky to your financial security. If an item is sold out at all major retailers, be very skeptical of a random seller who claims to have plenty of stock.
Day 11: K-9 holiday scams
Who doesn't love the idea of a new puppy for Christmas? Scammers post photos of adorable puppies for sale, often claiming they’re free to a good home if you just pay for shipping. Once you pay, more fees appear — for a special crate, insurance, or vaccinations — and the puppy never arrives.
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, we encourage you to visit a local shelter or a reputable breeder in person. Never wire money for a pet you haven't met. Adopting locally not only avoids holiday fraud but also helps animals in our own community.
Day 12: Counterfeit goods
Buying luxury items like designer bags, watches, or perfume as gifts can be special. But be careful of counterfeits sold online. Scammers use photos of the real product but send you a cheap knockoff.
To ensure you’re getting the real deal, buy directly from the brand's official store or an authorized dealer. And be sure to trust your instincts; if the price is drastically lower than retail, it’s likely a fake.
The holidays should be filled with joy, not worry. We hope this holiday scams guide empowers you to spot these common tactics and protect your financial security.
Remember, you’re the first line of defense, but you don't have to do it alone. If you ever think your Clearview account has been compromised or suspect you’re a victim of one of these holiday scams, please reach out to us for guidance.
