Top 5 Holiday Scams Targeting Your Devices and How to Protect Yourself

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and unfortunately, a spike in scams aimed at stealing your personal information and money. Cybercriminals know that many people shop online, travel, and share more information during this time, making devices prime targets. Understanding the most common holiday scams and how to avoid them can save you from costly mistakes and stress. This guide highlights five scams that specifically target your devices and offers practical steps to keep your data and finances safe.

Holiday scam message on smartphone screen

Fake Holiday Shopping Websites

One of the most common scams during the holidays involves fake online stores. These sites often look professional and offer deals that seem too good to be true. They lure shoppers with deep discounts on popular items but never deliver the products. Instead, they steal your payment details or install malware on your device.

How to avoid this scam:

• Always check the website’s URL carefully. Look for misspellings or unusual domain extensions.

• Use trusted retailers and official brand websites.

• Search for reviews or complaints about the site before making a purchase.

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media ads.

• Use a credit card for purchases, as it offers better fraud protection.

  
  

Phishing Emails and Texts with Holiday Themes

Phishing attacks increase during the holidays, with scammers sending emails or texts pretending to be from delivery services, retailers, or charities. These messages often ask you to click a link or download an attachment, which can install malware or steal your login credentials.

How to spot and avoid phishing attempts:

• Be suspicious of messages asking for personal or financial information.

• Check the sender’s email address or phone number for inconsistencies.

• Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

• Verify delivery notifications by visiting the official courier website directly.

• Use two-factor authentication on your accounts for extra security.

  
  

Malicious Holiday Apps

Holiday-themed apps promising games, gift ideas, or festive wallpapers can sometimes carry hidden malware. Once installed, these apps can access your personal data, track your activity, or even lock your device for ransom.

Tips to protect your devices from malicious apps:

• Download apps only from official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

• Read user reviews and check app permissions before installing.

• Avoid apps that request unnecessary access to your contacts, messages, or location.

• Keep your device’s operating system and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

• Use mobile security software to scan for threats regularly.

  
  

Public Wi-Fi Risks While Traveling

Many people travel during the holidays and use public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, or cafes. These networks are often unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept your data or inject malware into your device.

How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi:

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making purchases on public Wi-Fi.

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.

• Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections on your device.

• Keep your device’s firewall enabled.

• Log out of accounts when finished and clear your browsing history.

  
  

Holiday Charity Scams

The spirit of giving makes holiday charity scams especially dangerous. Fraudsters create fake charity websites or send emails asking for donations, often using names similar to well-known organizations. Donating through these scams can lead to stolen credit card information or money lost to fraud.

Ways to verify legitimate charities:

• Research the charity on trusted sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.

• Donate directly through the official charity website, not through links in emails.

• Be cautious of urgent requests for donations or pressure to give immediately.

• Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you are sure of the charity’s legitimacy.

• Consider using payment methods that offer fraud protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.