Stay Alert: Don’t Let 2024 Holiday Scams Steal Your Joy

As the holiday season approaches, it’s not just cheer and celebration that ramps up, but holiday scams are on the rise as well. Scammers are seeking opportunities to exploit the rush and excitement of the season. At OrlanTech, we prioritize keeping your sensitive data protected and your valuable assets secure year-round. That’s why it’s crucial to know the tactics these scammers use and how to avoid falling victim.

Here are some of the most common 2024 holiday scams to watch out for and tips to protect yourself and your loved ones during the holiday season.

1. Online Shopping Scams

Holiday shopping often means a spike in online purchases, which scammers use to their advantage. Fake websites, suspiciously good deals and counterfeit products flood the internet. Protect yourself by ensuring you only shop from reputable sites, checking for secure payment methods and verifying website legitimacy by looking for “https” in the URL and reading reviews.

2. Charity Scams

The season of giving brings out generous hearts, but it also attracts bad actors or scammers who set up fake charities or impersonate legitimate organizations. Before donating, do your research. Verify the charity through largely recognized platforms like Charity Navigator or the BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call.

3. Delivery Scams

Package deliveries surge during the holidays, making delivery scams highly effective. You might receive phishing emails or texts claiming to be from a delivery service with urgent requests to confirm your information. These messages often include malicious links. Avoid clicking on unexpected links and go directly to the carrier’s official website to track your packages.

4. Gift Card Fraud

Gift cards are popular during the holiday season but can be a breeding ground for 2024 holiday scams. Fraudsters may tamper with cards in stores, recording their numbers and waiting for them to be activated. When buying gift cards, choose ones from secured, reputable stores and inspect them for signs of tampering. Always keep your receipts as proof of purchase.

5. Travel Scams

Whether you’re booking flights, accommodations or vacation packages, scammers target holiday travelers with fake deals and fraudulent booking sites. Be wary of any travel offers that seem too good to be true. Only book through well-known travel agencies or directly with airlines and hotels. Double-check site URLs to ensure they’re legitimate, and read reviews before making any payments.

6. Social Media and Giveaways

Social media platforms can be a goldmine for scammers during the holidays. You might see promotions for giveaways that promise amazing prizes if you share a post or provide personal details. These could be phishing attempts designed to harvest your data. Only engage with verified accounts and avoid sharing personal information on public platforms.

Stay Safe From 2024 Holiday Scams in 4 Steps

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to be vigilant against the surge of scams that target consumers during this festive time. At OrlanTech, we understand the importance of safeguarding your personal and financial information. Our comprehensive cyber security services are designed to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your sensitive data is protected and your valuable assets are secure. Here are four ways you can avoid being scammed out of your data this holiday season:

• Keep software updated: Ensure your devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Outdated software can contain vulnerabilities that scammers and cybercriminals exploit to gain unauthorized access. Regular updates help patch these security holes and keep your personal data out of the wrong hands.
  
• Use unique passwords: Secure your accounts with strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common phrases. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, keeping them safe and accessible only to you.
  
• Verify before you act: Always double-check the legitimacy of deals, charities and websites before taking any action. Scammers often mimic well-known organizations or create convincing fake sites to deceive consumers. Taking an extra minute to research can save you from falling victim to sophisticated scams.
  
• Be wary of urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to trick you into acting without thinking. They might pressure you with messages like “limited-time offers” or “act now to avoid penalties.” Stay calm and take the time to evaluate any communication before responding, as legitimate offers or messages rarely come with aggressive time constraints.

Want to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones without the added worry of cyber threats?  At OrlanTech, we employ the most advanced technologies and techniques that proactively detect and respond to potential threats and minimize the impact on your personal and professional life. This holiday season, let us help you focus on what truly matters. Contact us today for the best defense against 2024 holiday scams.