Avoid These 7 Sneaky Holiday Scams in 2024, Warns USF CU Security Expert

It’s no secret - with the arrival of Black Friday, fraudsters are at their busiest devising new (and sometimes shocking) ways to catch unsuspecting holiday shoppers off-guard. This year, Darden Credit Union is offering some timely help on avoiding scammers looking to cash in on the season’s hustle and bustle.

INFOGRAPHIC: 2024’s SNEAKIEST SCAMS

“(Scammers) Pull Out all the Stops”

Jeff Billy, cyber security expert at Darden Credit Union, has seen it all. “The holiday season is peak time for scammers,” Jeff shares. “They know people are busy, stressed, and spending more, so they pull out all the stops.”

In 2024, fraudsters have fine-tuned their strategies and are more sophisticated than ever. Here are seven sneaky scams of the season Jeff says to watch for—and how to keep your holiday merry and scam-free.

Beware of Fake Shopping Sites
When shopping online, only enter payment information on websites that start with “https” and have a secure lock symbol. Beware of unfamiliar retailers or unverified marketplaces.

Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If a deal looks outrageously cheap, take a closer look. Scammers lure shoppers with incredible prices on hard-to-find items, hoping to snag your payment details without delivering the goods.

Be Wary of Phishing Emails and Texts
This time of year, fraudsters send messages pretending to be from popular retailers, offering fake deals or asking for payment verification. If a message seems strange, don’t click any links—visit the retailer’s official website instead.

Don’t Fall for Phony Delivery Alerts
We all love the thrill of tracking our packages, but those random texts or emails saying there’s a “problem” with your delivery? Probably a scam! Avoid clicking any unknown links. Instead, go directly to the official app or website to track your packages.

Stay Alert for Complimentary Voucher, Gift Card Scams
A popular holiday scam is big discounts on gift cards. Don’t fall for offers from retailers or social posts offering phony vouchers or gift cards paired with special promotions or contests.

Avoid Holiday Refund Scams
Emails can come from retail chains or e-commerce companies claiming there is a “wrong transaction” and prompt you to click the refund link. However, when you click, the personal information you give out will be sold to cyber criminals.

Confirm Charities Before Donating
Scammers prey on holiday generosity by creating fake charities or posing as real ones. Always double-check organizations on sites like Charity Navigator to make sure your kindness reaches the right hands.

“Now’s the time when fraudsters are their busiest,” Jeff says. "They count on us to be too distracted to spot the scams, so take a few extra seconds before clicking, paying, or sharing any information.”

By staying vigilant and learning the red flags, you can avoid falling victim to these holiday scams.

And if you ever have doubts, the Darden Credit Union team is here to help guide and support you through safe shopping and a fraud-free holiday season!

Once you're prepared to shop safely, explore our tips for maximizing holiday savings to make the most of your budget this season.