Deck the Halls with Safety: The Top Three Holiday Scams, and How to Protect Your Community from Them

’Tis the season to be jolly—but for law enforcement, it’s also the season to be vigilant. With jingling bells comes a rise in criminal activity, and scammers are no exception.

This year, Penlink wants to equip you with the knowledge to keep you and your community safe from the top three holiday scams of 2024, along with some tips to help thwart these criminals.

1. Package Panic: Don’t Get Hooked by Fake Delivery Emails or Text Messages

Imagine this: Nestled by a warm fire, a cup of eggnog at hand, Mrs. Claus logs onto her email—only to find an urgent message from “FedEx.” This email, riddled with typos and an unsettling lack of festive cheer, claims that her holiday gifts require immediate payment of a small processing fee.  Mrs. Claus clicks the link, enters her credit card details, and…well, let’s just say Santa’s got another scammer to bring coal to this year.

The Fix: This classic scam preys on holiday excitement and the ever-present worry about delayed packages. Here’s how to fight it:

• Spread the Word: Educate citizens on red flags like spelling errors or typos, generic greetings, and suspicious website links.
• Verify, Verify, Verify: Encourage residents to directly contact their delivery company via phone or chat (on the company’s official website) to verify any suspicious messages.
• Not Sharing Is Caring: Dissuade people from sharing information like credit-card details or passwords in response to any delivery notification. Legitimate delivery companies won’t request payment via email or text.

2. Social Shopping Scams: Don’t Get Hooked on Fake Deals

Social media platforms are a popular site for holiday cheer—and holiday scams. This year, be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals that pop up on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram. A brand-new PS5 for $100? A Louis Vuitton bag at 90% off? These are likely bait-and-switch scams, designed to steal money or personal information.

The Fix: Equip your community with these defenses:

• Be Skeptical: Shoppers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on unfamiliar platforms or from suspicious profiles.
• Research Is King: Before making any online purchase, thoroughly research the seller. Check for fake profiles containing few friends, unusual profile pictures, or overly generic information.
• Protect Your Profile: Use strong, unique passwords for each social media account, and consider using two-factor authentication.

3. The Charity Conundrum: Sleigh Bells Ringing for the Wrong Reasons

The holidays are a time for giving—but sadly, some scammers exploit this generosity. This year, be on the lookout for fake charities soliciting donations or capitalizing on recent unfortunate events like natural disasters. They may create websites with heartwarming stories, or send emails purporting to be from legitimate charities, in service to their scams.

The Fix: Empower your community to give safely and wisely:

• Do Your Homework: Research a charity before donating. Confirm their legitimacy by verifying their tax-exempt status with the IRS’s online search tool.
• Beware of Pressure: Legitimate charities won’t pressure you into donating on the spot, so anyone aggressively asking for donations should arouse suspicion. Suspicious charities should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Avoid Untraceable Payment Methods: Never donate via cash, gift cards, or wire transfers. Use credit cards or checks to maintain a record of your donation. Reputable charities accept secure online payments or traditional checks.

Combating Holiday Scams: A Collaborative Effort

Law enforcement investigators and analysts play a crucial role in identifying, tracking, and disrupting holiday scams when they do occur. The key to minimizing these crimes is educating the public with strategies like those listed above. By raising awareness about common scams and providing tips on how to protect oneself, we can empower citizens to make informed decisions.

Strategies to educate the public:

• Community Outreach Programs: Engage with local organizations and faith-based entities to organize community outreach programs to educate residents about common scams, how to identify them, and what steps to take if they believe they have been victimized.
• Social Media Campaigns: Utilize social media platforms to share information about scams, prevention tips, and success stories.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Work with local businesses to display posters and flyers with scam prevention tips.
• Collaborate with Schools: Partner with schools to educate students about cyber safety and online scams.

By working together, law enforcement and the public can effectively combat holiday scams and ensure a safe and secure holiday season.