The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and celebration. Unfortunately, for the Scrooges and Grinches of the world, it is also the time for an increase in scams and fraudulent schemes. According to the Ohio Consumer Protection Agency, reports of online shopping fraud, holiday gift card scams, and identity theft consistently rise in November and December. Whether you are a consumer or a business owner, understanding how scams operate is the first step toward preventing them.
Below are just a few major types of holiday scams, practical steps to avoid them, and legal remedies.
1. Online Shopping Scams
Pay Attention To:
- Websites offering “too good to be true” deals.
- Sellers are insisting on payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Social media ads with no verifiable company information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Buy only from established retailers or sellers with verified reviews.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards (credit cards typically offer stronger dispute rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act).
2. Gift Card Scams
Pay Attention To:
- The sender’s email address (fraudsters will pretend to be someone you know, such as a co-worker).
- Pressure to purchase specific gift cards.
- Demands to share card numbers or PINS.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Treat anyone requesting gift card payments as suspicious.
- Keep receipts in case gift card activity needs to be traced.
- Be aware that no legitimate business or governmental agency will request payment via gift card.
3. Pack Delivery and “Missed Delivery” Scams
Pay Attention To:
- Text messages and emails asking you to click a link to “reschedule delivery.”
- Requests for personal information.
- Requests for small “redelivery” or “shipping” fees.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Track packages directly through the carrier’s official website.
- Never click links in unsolicited messages.
4. Charity Scams
Pay Attention To:
- High-pressure donation requests.
- Charities with names similar to well-known organizations.
- Lack of transparency as to how funds will be used.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify charities through their official website or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Ask for written information before donating.
- Avoid donating to any organization that demands payment in gift cards.
5. Travel Scams
Pay Attention To:
- Deeply discounted airfare.
- Hotel prices offered only for “today.”
- Hosts demanding payment outside of secure booking platforms
How to Protect Yourself:
- Use reputable booking websites.
- Read cancellation and refund policies carefully.
- Avoid wiring money for rentals.
Staying vigilant is the best defense against holiday scams. As the Season gets busier, be sure to take extra care. If you do fall victim to a scam, it is important to act quickly by contacting your bank or financial institution and reporting to the proper authorities. In some cases, such as against identifiable fraudsters, for breached contracts, or for negligent data handling, you may be able to pursue a civil claim.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or fraud this holiday season, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling is here to help. For more information, please get in touch with the author at kprice@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130.
