Tech Tip Tuesday: Top 8 Holiday Scams to Watch for in 2024

The holiday season is a time for celebration, generosity, and connection, but it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging new technologies and societal trends to trick people out of their money or personal information. Here are the latest holiday scams to be aware of in 2024 and how you can protect yourself.

1. AI-Generated Charity Scams

With advances in AI technology, scammers are now using convincing fake videos or voice calls from “charity representatives.” These AI-powered impersonations often include compelling stories and realistic visuals to pull at your heartstrings.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research charities before donating by visiting trusted websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
• Avoid donating through links sent via email or social media; instead, go directly to the charity’s official site.

2. Fake E-Commerce Deals

During the holiday rush, cybercriminals set up fraudulent e-commerce websites or social media ads offering “unbeatable” deals. These sites often mimic legitimate retailers but disappear after collecting payments, leaving victims empty-handed.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stick to well-known retailers or brands with a strong reputation.
• Verify website security by looking for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

3. Phishing Emails with Holiday Themes

Scammers ramp up phishing campaigns disguised as shipping notifications, holiday e-cards, or exclusive holiday offers. These emails often include malicious links or attachments designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Hover over links to inspect their destination before clicking.
• Avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders.
• Use email filters to block suspicious messages.

4. Bogus Gift Card Offers

Gift card scams continue to be a holiday favorite for fraudsters. Criminals may claim you’ve won a gift card or ask you to pay using gift cards for items or services. These scams are common in phishing emails, phone calls, and fake ads.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Remember that legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment in gift cards.
• Verify promotional offers directly with the retailer before taking action.

5. Social Media Holiday “Giveaways”

Fraudulent giveaways on social media platforms promise luxury gifts or cash prizes in exchange for personal information, shares, or upfront payments. These scams exploit the holiday spirit of sharing and generosity.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Check if the account running the giveaway is verified or affiliated with a legitimate business.
• Avoid giving out personal information or payment details for a chance to win.

6. Cryptocurrency Donation Scams

With the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, scammers are now targeting donors who want to contribute using crypto. Fake charities may request donations in Bitcoin or Ethereum, often claiming it’s for tax-free, instant transactions.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Treat crypto donation requests with skepticism, as these transactions are irreversible.
• Stick to traditional payment methods for charitable contributions.

7. QR Code Scams

QR codes are increasingly used in marketing and payments, and scammers have capitalized on this trend. Fraudulent QR codes may lead to phishing websites or automatically download malware onto your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the source of QR codes before scanning them.
• Use a reliable QR code scanner app that checks for malicious links.

8. Fake Travel Deals

With many families traveling for the holidays, scammers offer fake vacation packages or discounted flights that don’t exist. Victims often realize they’ve been duped only after arriving at the airport or hotel.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Book through reputable travel agencies or official airline and hotel websites.
• Avoid paying upfront for deals that lack proper documentation or confirmation.

General Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
3. Update Your Devices: Ensure your software and antivirus programs are up to date.
4. Educate Your Family: Share these tips with family members, especially those less familiar with online security.

By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the holiday season without falling victim to scams. Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and double-check before taking action. 

If your business needs assistance assessing current cybersecurity measures, call us at 512-869-1155 or visit us online at Computekonline.com to schedule a free cybersecurity assessment!

That’s all for this week, we’ll see you next time for Tech Tip Tuesday!