Holiday Scams on the Rise: Protect Your Wallet and Privacy This Season

The holiday season brings joy, togetherness—and an uptick in scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers. As millions turn to online platforms for holiday purchases, cybercriminals ramp up efforts to exploit vulnerabilities and steal personal and financial information.

A recent Norton poll revealed that 48% of consumers have been targeted by scams while holiday shopping online. Among the most common tactics are fake package notifications, deceptive websites, and fraudulent social media ads. Messages such as “The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information” aim to lure recipients into clicking malicious links.

Fake online stores and misleading advertisements also remain significant threats, often promising deep discounts on popular items. These scams trick shoppers into entering payment details on fraudulent websites or apps, leading to financial loss and compromised personal information.

Experts caution against downloading unfamiliar apps, as holiday-themed applications often have hidden risks. Research indicates that many apps leak personal data or have insufficient security measures, putting users at further risk.

Another alarming trend is the rise of “scam-yourself” attacks, which surged by 614% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter. These attacks manipulate victims into unknowingly compromising their security, such as by uploading sensitive information to phishing websites disguised as legitimate platforms.

To stay protected this season, experts recommend being cautious about unexpected notifications, scrutinizing online deals that seem too good to be true, and avoiding unfamiliar apps. As holiday shopping accelerates, a little vigilance can prevent a lot of heartache and keep the season merry and bright.