HOLIDAY SHOPPING SCAMS ON THE RISE
DID YOU KNOW …?
• TransUnion reports that the most popular day for online fraud attempts in 2024 was November 28 – Thanksgiving Day.
Key takeaway: Although you should always be diligent when online, the holiday season is prime time for scammers. Enjoy your holiday shopping but be wary of anything that looks suspicious. Take precautions, ask others for their opinion, and do your research BEFORE providing any personal or payment information.
Source: TransUnion Digital Holiday Fraud in 2024
• An AARP study has found that fraud involving packages has risen in recent years. Over half of the respondents (56%) reported receiving fake texts regarding package shipment issues, and 25% had a package stolen.
Key takeaway: If you get a text or email telling you there is an issue with an item you ordered, check carefully. If you know you did not order the item or do not recognize the name of the sender or retailer, that message could be a phishing attempt, trying to get you to click on a malicious link or provide personal information such as a credit card number. If you are unsure, contact the business through means that you research yourself.
The best way to secure your packages is to take delivery when they arrive. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. One alternative is to have your packages shipped to a USPS Smart Package Locker, which is an electronic, keyless parcel lockers that provide a safe, secure, and convenient package delivery and returns alternative for both package recipients and shippers.
Another alternative is the Amazon Hub Locker or Counter, where you can pick up your packages. This is a self-service, automated kiosk where you can pick up or return Amazon packages securely, without needing to interact with a store employee.
If you are shopping on Amazon and know that you will be home on a certain day of the week, select that day as your Amazon Day so your packages will arrive on a day you know you will be available. To select this option, navigate to your account, and choose your Amazon Day under Ordering and Shopping Preferences.
Source: AARP 2024 Survey
• Is online shopping the new shopping mall? Of adults aged 18 to 34, nearly three-fifths of respondents had purchased through an online ad, and 36% said they had experienced fraud.
Key takeaway: Shop only with reputable retailers; if you are shopping online, ensure you are using the correct website. Although a website looks legitimate, it may be spoofed. Be vigilant when clicking links within social media posts. If the deal they advertise looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you fall victim to one of those sites, be sure to contact your card issuer and deactivate your card, and remove any credit card information you have on the reputable retailer’s site.
Source: AARP 2024 Survey
• The AARP study also found that 56% adults are aware that using a credit card is much safer than a debit card to make purchases, but that number is down from 64% the year before.
Key takeaway: Using a credit card is much safer online than using a debit card or gift card. With a credit card, you may not be responsible for any fraudulent charges incurred on the card.
There are other payment methods which are safe, as well. If your bank issues virtual credit cards, you can use that method. When you are ready to purchase, you will enter a randomly generated card number instead of your actual card online. Also, many sites will allow you to use Apple Pay, PayPal or GooglePay, so you do not have to directly enter your information on the site when shopping.
Source: AARP 2024 Survey
