Digital Safety Over the Holidays: How to Protect Yourself From Seasonal Scams

There’s something about the holidays that makes everything feel brighter—twinkly lights, cheerful playlists, gift-giving galore. But lurking in the background of that festive sparkle? Seasonal scams just waiting to sneak into your inbox or your online cart.

If you’ve ever received a suspicious “missed delivery” text from a company you never ordered from or clicked a tempting 90%-off sale that turned into regret, welcome to the club. I’ve been there—one holiday, I almost handed over personal info to a fake charity website because the design looked so convincing.

But here’s the good news: with a few savvy strategies, you can enjoy all the season’s magic without falling into the trap of cyber Grinches. Let’s walk through what to look for, how to protect yourself, and what to do if a scam tries to crash your holiday.

Why Holiday Scams Spike (And How They Work)

Scams don’t take holidays off—in fact, they ramp up while the rest of us are busy baking cookies and panic-wrapping presents.

1. High-Spending, Low-Guard Season

We shop more. We donate more. We’re distracted and feeling generous—and scammers know it.

• Online retailers blast nonstop deals.
• Shipping companies send endless delivery updates.
• Our inboxes and brains are flooded, making us more likely to click without thinking.

2. Scammers Get Craftier Each Year

Gone are the days of obvious typo-filled scam emails. Today’s scams look legit:

• Spoofed retailer logos and branded emails
• Fake order confirmations or missed delivery notices
• Text messages with “urgent” links

3. Even the Savvy Get Snagged

I once clicked on a fake order confirmation from a store I had shopped at. It was nearly identical to the real thing—until I realized the sender address was off by one letter.

Lesson learned: anyone can fall for a scam. The trick is to spot it before it costs you.

The Most Common Holiday Scams (And How to Avoid Them)

Knowing what’s out there is half the battle. Let’s break down the usual suspects.

1. Fake Online Stores

These sites pop up like digital snowflakes—offering “too good to be true” deals on popular gifts. Once you pay, your money’s gone and the product never ships.

How to Outsmart It:

• Stick to reputable retailers or verify unknown stores through reviews
• Look for HTTPS in the URL and double-check the site’s contact info
• Be wary of unrealistically low prices or pressure-y countdown timers

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

These messages pretend to be from trusted sources—Amazon, UPS, your bank—and urge you to click a link or “verify your account.”

How to Outsmart It:

• Hover over links to see the real destination before clicking
• Never provide personal info via email or text
• If you’re unsure, go to the brand’s website directly instead of clicking the message

3. Bogus Charities and Donation Requests

Holiday spirit = open hearts = open wallets. But not all donation requests are legit.

How to Outsmart It:

• Verify charities on Charity Navigator or Guidestar
• Be cautious of donation links shared on social media or group texts
• I keep a pre-vetted list of nonprofits and give directly through their sites

Build Your Digital Armor Before You Shop

Even if you're not a tech whiz, you can set yourself up with a strong defense before clicking “add to cart.”

1. Passwords Matter More Than You Think

Weak passwords are still one of the easiest ways hackers break in.

• Use long, unique passwords for every account
• Avoid birthdays, names, or anything guessable
• A password manager keeps it simple and secure (I swear by mine)

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) = Double Defense

2FA adds a layer of protection, usually by sending a code to your phone or email.

• Enable it on shopping, banking, and email accounts
• It’s the digital equivalent of locking the door and setting the alarm

3. Keep Your Software Up to Date

Scammers exploit old software with known bugs.

• Set your phone, apps, and browser to auto-update
• I once delayed a browser update for weeks—only to discover it fixed a vulnerability scammers had been using that same month

Smart Holiday Shopping Habits That Save

Safety doesn’t mean you can’t shop. It just means shopping a little smarter.

1. Use Secure Payment Methods

Credit cards often offer fraud protection that debit cards don’t.

• Consider using virtual card numbers from your bank
• Avoid direct bank transfers or wire services unless you really know who you’re paying

2. Shop from Trusted Devices

Avoid entering sensitive info on public computers or borrowed devices.

• Use your own phone or laptop whenever possible
• If you’re on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN or wait until you're on a secure network

3. Review Your Statements Regularly

Don’t wait until your January credit card bill shocks you.

• Check bank and credit card statements weekly
• Set up alerts for large purchases or transactions outside your usual locations

How to Spot Red Flags (Even When You're Busy)

Scammers rely on you being too distracted to notice. Here's how to stay sharp without ruining your holiday vibe.

1. Learn to Pause Before You Click

That quick pause can save you:

• Ask: “Did I really order something from this company?”
• Check for odd language or formatting in messages
• If something feels off, it probably is

2. Ignore the Pressure to “Act Now”

Scams often create fake urgency—“your account will be locked in 24 hours!”

• Legit companies won’t threaten or rush you
• Take a beat and contact them directly if you’re unsure

3. Trust, But Verify

Even if a message looks like it’s from someone you know…

• Double-check the email address or phone number
• Call or text the person directly if something seems fishy
• I’ve received scam messages from accounts mimicking my cousin’s name—it wasn’t her

What to Do If You Fall for a Scam

Even with the best prep, things happen. Here’s how to bounce back quickly.

1. Act Fast

If you gave out payment info:

• Call your bank immediately and freeze the card
• Dispute the charge as fraudulent
• Monitor your accounts closely for the next few weeks

2. Change Your Passwords

If you think an account was compromised:

• Change your password immediately
• Log out of all devices (most accounts offer this option)
• Turn on 2FA if it wasn’t enabled already

3. Report It

Help others by reporting:

• Email scams to phishing@.com
• Scams to the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint) or local authorities
• I once reported a fake store, and it was taken offline within days—small steps add up

The Wise Wrap-Up

1. Pause Before You Purchase – Don’t fall for shiny bait from shady sources.
2. Lock Down Your Accounts – Strong passwords and 2FA keep scammers out.
3. Stick to Trusted Tools – Shop from secure devices, with secure payments.
4. Scan Before You Click – Hover over links and verify the sender every time.
5. Report Fast, Recover Faster – Mistakes happen—swift action makes all the difference.

Scam-Free & Full of Cheer

The holidays should be a time for joy, not fraud alerts. By building a few smart habits into your online life, you can dodge seasonal scams with ease—and spend more time sipping cocoa than dealing with credit card disputes.

Stay sharp, shop smart, and don’t let the cyber Grinches steal your holiday glow.