Life Kit

Watch out for these holiday scams

December 11, 2025

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  • When shopping online, always research vendors by searching their name alongside terms like "scam," "fraud," or "complaint," and use a credit card for stronger consumer protections. 
  • To avoid gift card scams, purchase physical cards near the register, consider e-gift cards, and always save the receipt to prove when and how much money was loaded. 
  • If solicited for charity donations, only give to vetted organizations, and if approached in person, take down information to research the charity online later rather than donating immediately. 

Segments

Online Shopping Red Flags
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(00:03:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Be wary of hot ticket items sold by unknown vendors at unusually low prices, as these sites often exist only to steal personal and credit card information.
  • Summary: Scammers target shoppers looking for sold-out items by offering them at lower prices from newly established online stores. A survey found 39% of people experienced fraud when buying products through online ads. Always research vendors by searching their name with terms like “scam” or “complaint” before purchasing.
Gift Card Fraud Prevention
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(00:08:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Organized crime rings steal gift card numbers and PINs before they are purchased, draining the funds instantly upon activation.
  • Summary: Criminals remove gift cards, log the numbers and PINs, and return them to the display, waiting for an unsuspecting buyer to load money onto the compromised card. To mitigate this, buy cards near the register or purchase e-gift cards directly from the retailer’s website. Always save the receipt, as the time stamp proves when you loaded the funds.
Charity Donation Scams
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(00:10:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Criminals create fake charities, and 35% of people surveyed believed they received a fraudulent donation request in the last year.
  • Summary: Listeners should only donate to organizations they have personally vetted and know, giving money directly through the charity’s official website. Avoid giving money over the phone or to solicitors on the street; instead, take down their information to research the organization later.
Toll Road Text Scams
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(00:13:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Unsolicited texts demanding small payments for unpaid tolls are phishing attempts designed to steal credit card information, not collect the small fee.
  • Summary: Fifty-eight percent of surveyed people received texts claiming they owed a small toll amount (like $6 or $7.50) and providing a link to pay. Never click these links; legitimate toll notifications arrive via mail or through established accounts like rental car billing or E-ZPass. If concerned, go directly to the toll road’s official management website to verify any debt.
Fake Delivery Notifications
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(00:16:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Text messages claiming issues with package delivery from USPS or UPS are phishing scams, as vendors usually communicate delivery problems, not the shipping company.
  • Summary: Scammers send fake notifications stating there is a problem with an address or account, threatening package suspension if the link is not clicked. Keep a list of packages you are sending, and if you receive such a text, verify the status by contacting the original vendor or the shipping company through their official channels.
Travel Booking Scams
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(00:18:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Be cautious of last-minute travel deals on fake websites that require prepayment using non-refundable methods like prepaid gift cards.
  • Summary: Criminals create fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate airlines or car rental agencies, often demanding prepayment with gift cards for seemingly great deals. If traveling, stick to vendors you have a relationship with, and if you need customer service, navigate directly to the official vendor website rather than using search engine results.
What to Do If Scammed
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(00:19:44)
  • Key Takeaway: If victimized, immediately stop communication with the criminal and report the incident quickly to law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
  • Summary: If money or personal information is lost, contact financial institutions immediately to prevent further access to accounts. Reporting the crime quickly is crucial for potential recovery and helps establish a record needed for bank investigations. Amy Nofziger notes that reporting is the first step in healing from the experience.