The holidays are a magical time of year, but they’re also prime hunting season for cybercriminals. While you’re busy shopping for gifts, planning festive gatherings, or clicking on deals that seem too good to be true, scammers are working overtime to catch you off guard. As a professionally managed IT service provider, we’re here to help you stay informed, stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay safe. With Black Friday and other special shopping deals rapidly approaching, here are some of the most common holiday scams you should watch out for—and tips on how to avoid them. 

Holiday Scams

1. The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals 

Ever see a $500 designer handbag being sold for $50? That’s the digital equivalent of finding a unicorn—and equally as fake. Scammers set up fake websites or social media ads offering irresistible deals, luring shoppers into giving up their credit card information. If something seems to good to be true, it sadly probably is. Unless you’re on a very reputable site (confirmed), one needs to be extra wary. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Stick to reputable retailers or websites you know and trust. 

• Look for HTTPS in the URL and a padlock symbol to ensure the site is secure. 

• If the deal feels way off, trust your gut—there’s no such thing as a true 99% off unicorn. 

2. Phishing Emails Dressed as Holiday Cheer 

“Your package is delayed!” “You’ve won a holiday gift card!” Phishing emails spike during the holiday season, preying on our desire for freebies and our dread of delivery delays. These emails often include links or attachments that download malware or steal personal information. They speak to things that are probably happening to you during the season, ordering more packages online, travel, family connections.

How to Avoid It: 

• Inspect the sender’s email address—scammers often use slight variations of legitimate domains. 

• Hover over links before clicking to see where they actually lead. Do not click! 

• When in doubt, go directly to the retailer or shipping company’s website rather than clicking through an email or if it is someone like your bank, give them a call. 

3. Fake Charities Tugging at Heartstrings 

The season of giving can sometimes lead to the season of scamming. Fake charities pop up, especially during disasters or global events, asking for donations that never actually reach those in need. Some attackers may be using more reputable charities’ names, so stay alert.  

How to Avoid It: 

• Research the charity on websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. 

• Avoid making donations over email or social media without verifying the organization. 

• Be cautious if pressured to donate immediately. Genuine charities will give you time. 

4. Bogus Gift Card Scams 

Gift cards are convenient, but they’re also a favorite tool for scammers. You might encounter fake gift card websites offering discounts, or scammers asking for payment in gift cards, claiming it’s “quick and secure.” Another common one is being sent messaging saying you can get a high amount of gift cards for a low price. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Only purchase gift cards from trusted retailers. 

• Never provide gift card numbers or PINs over email, text, or phone. 

• If someone demands payment via gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. 

5. Social Media Holiday “Contests” and “Giveaways” 

That “holiday giveaway” post you just saw on Instagram? It might not be legit. Scammers often create fake accounts to run contests that require participants to share personal information or pay a “processing fee” to claim a prize. If the account has 2 posts and 5 followers, it is probably fake.  

How to Avoid It: 

• Verify the account running the contest. Major brands won’t have sketchy usernames or new profiles with zero followers. 

• Be wary of contests asking for too much personal information or requiring payment to claim prizes. 

• If it feels spammy, it probably is. 

6. Delivery Scams via Text or Email 

During the busy holiday shipping season, scammers send texts or emails pretending to be from delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon. These messages often include links to “track your package,” which lead to malicious websites. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Never click on links in unsolicited messages. 

• Use official tracking portals by entering the tracking number from your purchase receipt. 

• If you’re unsure, contact the delivery company directly. 

How Businesses Can Protect Employees During the Holidays 

While these scams primarily target individuals, businesses aren’t immune in the slightest. A single employee falling for a phishing email could lead to compromised systems, stolen data, or worse. Here’s how businesses can stay ahead: 

• Employee Training: Regular security awareness training helps employees recognize and avoid scams. 

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security makes it harder for scammers to gain access. 

• Proactive IT Management: Partnering with a Managed IT Service Provider ensures your systems are secure year-round. 

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays 

Cybercriminals may be sneaky, but with a little knowledge and vigilance, you can avoid their holiday scams and focus on what truly matters this season—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the festivities. 

As a trusted IT partner, we’re here to ensure you have a secure and stress-free holiday season. If you have any questions about staying cyber-safe or need help protecting your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Here’s to a joyful (and scam-free) holiday season! Stay safe, stay smart, and happy holidays from all of us at Symmetric IT Group!