Put Holiday Scams on Ice

While you're preparing for a busy holiday shopping season, scammers are plotting their winter heists. Many of these bad actors are crafting deceptive online schemes while others are homing in on crowded stores and malls. These holiday hustlers don't care about Black Friday bargains - they're after your credit card details and personal information. Use these tips to leave fraudsters out in the cold.

Seasonal Shopping Scam Tactics

Online Scams

Cybercrooks hope to rake in an avalanche of cash this season. They create copycat websites of real stores with deep discounts to catch your attention. Such sites often feature fake luxury items and electronics at such low prices that even Santa would do a double-take. If a designer handbag’s price has magically dropped from $2,000 to $200, consider it a red flag as bright as Rudolph's nose. 

Digital con artists are also targeting holiday shoppers by posing as new online retailers selling hard-to-find gifts. These cybercrooks are relying on shoppers being too busy dashing through their gift lists to notice the website danger signs, such as no return policy or contact information that includes a Gmail or Yahoo email address. 

In-store Scams

Sneaky pickpockets are looking forward to the crowds. It makes it easier for them to work in teams and prowl busy aisles searching for a deal all their own. Distracted shoppers with eyes on their cellphones and those who leave personal items unattended in shopping carts are prime targets. Some frost-fingered thieves might distract you by asking for a gift recommendation while their partner in crime swipes your wallet and disappears into the crowd.

This type of chilly winter hustle also plays out in busy parking lots. While one swoops in to “help” you load packages or brush snow off your car, their partner glides by to snatch your purse, wallet, or shopping bags. They're counting on their fake holiday goodwill to lower your guard. 

Scammers use these and other tactics to steal sensitive data from consumers. However, by staying vigilant, you can avoid becoming a victim.

Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

Deck the halls with healthy skepticism as you shop online. Stay alert to these common red flags:

• Websites lacking a padlock icon and ‘https’ in the URL indicate the site is not secure and will not encrypt your personal information, including credit card numbers. 
• Prices that are too good to be true, especially for items that are out of stock at major retailers. 
• Nonexistent return or shipping policies or an unofficial contact email address from free services like Gmail or Yahoo. 

Research unfamiliar retailers by reading reviews and checking for a physical address and customer service contact information.

Jingle your way to a safe in-store shopping experience by following these tips:

• Keep your phone tucked away while shopping so you can better focus on your surroundings. 
• If possible, shop with another adult who can assist with supervising children. Little ones might unintentionally distract you, making you an easier target.
• Place your wallet in your front pocket instead of a back pocket since it’s harder for pickpockets to retrieve it unnoticed.
• Leave your wallet or purse at home and carry your ID, card, and cash in a money belt or hidden pouch. 
• Decline offers for assistance from strangers as you exit the store. If you have multiple bags or a basket full of items, ask a store employee to help with loading the items into your vehicle. 

Don't let holiday scammers turn your seasonal spending into their winter windfall. Use the CUofCO Cards app, a free service that provides real-time email or text transaction alerts. Sign up today to keep your accounts frozen from fraudsters while your holiday shopping stays merry and bright.