3 Holiday Email Scams That Could Ruin Your Cheer (and How to Avoid Them)

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and giving. Unfortunately, they’re also a prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of our generosity and holiday spirit. With inboxes flooded with festive promotions and shipping notifications, it’s easy to let your guard down and fall prey to a phishing scam or malicious link. This article will break down three common holiday email scams, provide real-world examples, and offer practical tips to keep you safe this season.

1. The “Your Package is Delayed” Scam

This scam preys on our eagerness to receive holiday gifts. You receive an email that appears to be from a shipping company like FedEx or UPS, notifying you of a delivery issue. It might claim that your package is delayed, requires additional postage, or has been returned to the sender. The email will usually include a link to “track your package” or “update your delivery address.”

Here’s the catch: That link leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal information, including your login credentials, credit card details, and even your social security number. I almost fell for this one myself last year! I received an email about a “missed delivery” from a company I didn’t recognize. Luckily, I hovered over the link before clicking and noticed it was a suspicious web address.

How to avoid this scam:

• Never click on links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the shipping company’s official website or use their official app to track your packages.
• Pay attention to the sender’s email address. Scammers often use email addresses that are similar to legitimate ones, but with slight variations.
• Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency. Phishing emails often use phrases like “immediate action required” or “urgent delivery issue” to pressure you into clicking on a link without thinking.

2. The “Fake Charity” Scam

The holiday season brings out the best in us, and many people are looking to donate to those in need. Scammers exploit this generosity by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones. These emails often tug at your heartstrings with stories of hardship and urgent pleas for financial assistance.

Red flags to watch out for:

• Emails from charities you’ve never heard of. Do your research before donating to any organization, especially online.
• Requests for unusual payment methods. Legitimate charities rarely ask for donations via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Emails that lack specific information. A genuine charity email will typically include details about their mission, programs, and how your donation will be used.

A personal example: A few years ago, I received an email soliciting donations for a “disaster relief fund.” The email was vague, contained grammatical errors, and didn’t provide any information about how the funds would be used. A quick Google search revealed that the charity didn’t exist.

How to avoid this scam:

• Verify the legitimacy of the charity. Check if the charity is registered with the relevant authorities in your country (e.g., the IRS in the US).
• Donate directly through the charity’s official website. Avoid clicking on links in emails or social media posts.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for donations.

3. The “E-card Greetings” Scam

This scam takes advantage of our love for holiday greetings. You receive an email claiming you have received an e-card from a friend or family member. The email usually contains a link to “view your card.” However, clicking on the link could download malware onto your device or take you to a phishing website.

Why this scam is effective: It plays on our curiosity and desire to connect with loved ones during the holidays. We’re more likely to click on a link without thinking if we believe it’s from someone we know.

How to avoid this scam:

• Be wary of e-cards from people you don’t know.
• Hover over the link before clicking. Check if the link leads to a legitimate website.
• Contact the sender directly to confirm they sent you an e-card. You can do this through a separate email or phone call.

Staying Safe Beyond the Holidays

While these scams are particularly prevalent during the holidays, it’s important to be vigilant year-round. Here are some additional tips to keep your information safe:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Keep your software updated. Software updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Be cautious of what you share on social media. Scammers can use information from your social media profiles to target you with personalized phishing attacks.
• Install a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program on your devices.
• Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.

Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to report suspicious emails to the authorities. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.