Scammers love the holidays almost as much as we do, but for all the wrong reasons. While we’re decorating, shopping, and connecting with loved ones, they’re busy trying to trick people who are distracted and in a hurry.

That’s why we put together a list of the 12 most common holiday scams to help you spot them and stay safe. Each one comes with a simple tip to help you avoid getting tricked. Think of it as a little holiday safety guide from your neighbors who care.

Fake Bank Text Messages

  • What It Is: You receive a text that looks like it’s from your bank, saying there’s a problem with your account, that you need to “confirm” your personal information, or to confirm a transaction. These texts often include a link to a website that looks real but is fake.
  • How to Spot It: Banks will not text asking for account numbers, passwords, or online banking details. Messages that feel urgent, include unfamiliar links, or ask you to “verify” information are a sign of a scam.

Debit Card Fraud Alert Scams

  • What It Is: You receive a call, text, or email claiming there was suspicious activity on your debit card. The message may look official and ask you to confirm a transaction or share card details to stop fraud.
  • How to Spot It: Legitimate fraud alerts will never ask for your full debit card number, PIN, or security code. HomeTown Bank’s official fraud alerts for their SHAZAM debit cards will always come from 72718 by text, and will only call from (855) 219-5399. When in doubt, call SHAZAM’s Fraud Dispute line directly at (833) 288-1126 or contact your local HomeTown Bank.

Package Delivery Text Scams

  • What It Is: Scammers acting as national carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS send texts saying a package could not be delivered due to an address issue or an unpaid fee. These messages are common during the holidays when many people are expecting deliveries.
  • How to Spot It: Expecting a delivery? Great! But if you get a text with a strange link or vague details, pause before you click. Real carriers won’t ask for personal information through random texts.

Fake Online Stores

  • What It Is: Fake shopping websites pop up offering popular holiday gifts at very low prices. Once you place an order, the item never arrives, or the site disappears.
  • How to Spot It: Watch for prices that seem too good to be true, poor website design, or missing contact information.

Social Media Giveaways

  • What It Is: You receive a message or comment saying you won a giveaway or gift card on social media.
  • How to Spot It: You didn’t enter the giveaway, the account has few followers, no recent activity, or no profile picture. Real giveaways also won’t ask for payment or bank information.

If you’re unsure, pause and check.

If a message, call, or email doesn’t feel right, trust your gut feeling.

  1. Don’t click links or reply right away.
  2. Don’t share personal or banking information.
  3. Slow down. Scammers want you to rush.
  4. Contact your bank or the company directly using a phone number you trust.

Taking a few extra minutes to check can help protect your money and your peace of mind.

Charity Scams

  • What It Is: Scammers pose as charities and ask for donations, often using emotional stories tied to the holiday season.
  • How to Spot It: They pressure you to donate immediately, or they cannot clearly explain how donations are used.

Gift Card Payment Scams

  • What It Is: You’re told to pay a fee, bill, or prize claim using gift cards. Scammers prefer gift cards because they are hard to trace.
  • How to Spot It: If someone asks you to pay with gift cards, that’s a big red flag, as real businesses don’t do that. Got a weird request? Stop and double-check before you buy those cards.

Customer Support Scams

  • What It Is: Someone contacts you pretending to be customer support for a retailer, bank, or tech company and claims there is a problem with your account.
  • How to Spot It: They ask for passwords, PINs, or login information and push you to act quickly.

Man Looking at Phone Worried

Fake QR Code Scams

  • What It Is: QR codes are everywhere – on menus, ads, and even package tracking links. Scammers create fake QR codes that lead to phishing sites or payment scams.
  • How to Spot It: Before scanning, check where the code came from. If it’s on a random flyer or in an unexpected email or mail piece, skip it. When in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of scanning.

Travel Deal Scams

  • What It Is: Fake websites advertise low-cost holiday travels, rentals, or vacation packages that don’t exist or aren’t as advertised.
  • How to Spot It: The seller avoids providing details, reviews, or a physical address and pressures you to book right away, telling you “not to worry about it.”

Email Phishing Scams

  • What It Is: Emails appear to come from trusted sources, such as stores, banks, or delivery services, and ask you to click a link or download a file.
  • How to Spot It: Look for urgent language, spelling mistakes, or email addresses that don’t match the company’s name. For example, the email says it is from HomeTown Bank, but the email address is [email protected]. Most companies will have a domain (the part after the @) matching the company’s name.

Family Emergency Scams

  • What It Is: A message or phone call claiming a family member is in trouble and needs money immediately. Scammers often pretend to be a child or grandchild.
  • How to Spot It: They ask for secrecy and quick payment, which sometimes includes a gift card, and try to create panic or fear within the individual.

A Final Holiday Reminder

The holidays should be filled with joy, not stress. Scammers rely on people being busy, rushed, and trusting – especially during this time of year. Taking a moment to slow down, double-check messages, and ask questions can help protect you and your loved ones.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And when in doubt, reach out to your friendly banker or a trusted source. Sharing this information with friends and family is a simple way to help keep everyone a little safer this Christmas season.