Holiday Scams: Staying Safe During the Season of Giving

The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and connection—but it’s also prime time for scammers. As we shop, donate, and communicate more during the holidays, fraudsters ramp up their efforts, with schemes designed to exploit trust, urgency, and festive goodwill. Scams aren’t just a passing nuisance—they’re calculated attacks.

Understanding how scams work is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Scammers evolve their tactics constantly, and staying informed helps you recognize red flags before it’s too late. During the holidays, these schemes often come wrapped in seasonal cheer, making them harder to spot.

Common Scams to Watch For

• Tech Support Scams: You might receive a call or pop-up claiming your device has a virus. The scammer poses as a help desk agent and asks for remote access or payment for fake repairs.
• Imposter Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be family members in distress, government officials, or representatives from well-known organizations. They use fear or urgency to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information.
• Medicare and Social Security Scams: These often involve fake calls about updating records or fraudulent activity. Scammers ask for sensitive information like Medicare or Social Security numbers.
• Lottery or Sweepstakes Scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize—but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Charity Scams: The holidays inspire generosity, and scammers take advantage by posing as charitable organizations, especially during crises or natural disasters.
• Election Scams: With elections often coinciding with the holiday season, scammers may impersonate campaign representatives, seeking donations or spreading misinformation.

Recognizing the Red Flags

Scams are designed to catch you off guard. Here’s how they do it:

• Urgency or Fear: “Act now or lose everything!” This tactic discourages you from verifying the information.
• Unsolicited Contact: Calls, texts, or emails from unknown sources should raise suspicion.
• Government Impersonation: Scammers use official-sounding language to gain credibility.
• Too Good to Be True: Winning money or receiving exclusive offers with no effort is a classic bait.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are major red flags.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you suspect a scam or fall victim to one, act quickly:

• Report It: Contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Freeze Your Credit: Use Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to prevent further damage.
• Notify Your Bank: Stop unauthorized transactions and secure your accounts.
• Monitor for Identity Theft: Watch for unfamiliar accounts or charges.

Tips to Stay Scam-Free This Season

• Educate yourself and others about common scams.
• Never share personal info unless you initiated the contact.
• Use call and text-blocking tools.
• Talk regularly with family and friends about scam threats.

This holiday season, give the gift of awareness. Staying informed and vigilant is the best way to ensure your celebrations are joyful—and scam-free.

by Joy Miller, Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent, November 2025