Advanced Tips to Stay Secure During the Busiest Shopping Season of the Year

The End of year (holiday season) is a prime target for cybercriminals who take advantage of increased spending, frequent travel, and heightened digital activity. This guide highlights newer fraud tactics and lesser-known risks that are often overlooked by customers.

Beware of “Look Alike” Retailers and AI-Generated Stores

• Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create professional-looking fake stores designed to deceive shoppers.
• Be cautious of stores that have no purchase history, lack a social media presence, or use newly registered domains.
• Watch out for sites featuring perfectly polished product photos but with inconsistent or strange product descriptions, as these can be signs of AI-generated content.
• Before making a purchase, search the retailer’s name along with terms like “reviews,” “scam,” or “complaints” to check for warning signs.

2. Scrutinize Holiday Mobile Apps

• Many seasonal shopping apps, coupon apps, and “deal finders” may contain malicious code.
• Download apps only from official app stores, never from links sent via text messages or shared on social media.
• Review app permissions carefully; a shopping app should not request access to your contacts or microphone.
• Once you have finished using holiday-specific apps, delete them from your device.

3. Watch for “Festive” Phishing That Uses Emotion, Not Urgency

• Modern scams frequently rely on manipulating emotions rather than creating a sense of urgency.
• Be wary of messages that appeal to nostalgia, generosity, or guilt, such as “help families in need” or “secret holiday surprise”, as these are common phishing tactics.
• Fraudsters often impersonate local community groups or small businesses to appear trustworthy and convincing.
• Always verify unexpected messages by contacting the organization directly through official channels.

4. Validate Social Media Marketplace Sellers

• Holiday shopping leads to an increase in fraud on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, and TikTok storefronts.
• Avoid sellers who refuse to participate in video calls to show the product live, as this is a common red flag.
• Be alert for inconsistent posting histories; scammers often create multiple accounts quickly to perpetrate fraud.
• Use payment methods that offer dispute resolution and avoid making direct transfers to unknown sellers.

5. Be Cautious with Holiday Event Tickets

• Fake tickets for concerts, winter festivals, and holiday attractions are especially common during this time of year.
• Purchase tickets only from authorized ticketing platforms to ensure authenticity.
• Avoid accepting screenshots of QR codes, as these are easily duplicated, insist on receiving official digital transfers instead.
• If a seller claims “instant delivery,” verify the ticket barcode with the event venue before completing your payment.

6. Secure Your Travel Bookings

• Holiday travel scams have become more sophisticated and difficult to detect.
• Be cautious of fake airline customer service numbers that may appear in search results.
• Avoid booking through unfamiliar travel websites that claim to offer “exclusive holiday rates.”
• Always confirm hotel or rental listings with the property directly before making any payments.

7. Protect Your Loyalty Points and Rewards Accounts

• Cybercriminals often target rewards programs during the holidays, as customers redeem points more frequently and may not notice unauthorized activity.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all airline, hotel, and retailer loyalty accounts.
• Monitor your point balances regularly, as unauthorized redemptions can go unnoticed for long periods.
• Avoid logging into loyalty accounts on shared or public devices to reduce the risk of compromise.

8. Guard Against QR Code Manipulation

• QR codes are widely used at holiday pop-ups, markets, and charity booths, making them a popular tool for scammers.
• Inspect physical QR codes for stickers or overlays that may have been placed over the originals.
• If a QR code directs you to a login page, manually enter the URL instead of following the link.
• Never scan QR codes received via unsolicited emails or social media posts.

9. Be Wary of “Mystery Boxes” and Surprise Gift Offers

• These trendy holiday promotions are frequently exploited by fraudsters.
• Many “mystery box” deals either never ship or contain counterfeit or low quality goods.
• Be cautious of offers that require you to sign up for a subscription just to reveal the contents of the box.
• Research the company’s track record and history before making any purchases.

10. Stay Mindful of Cognitive Fatigue

• The overwhelming pace of the holiday season can make even vigilant shoppers more susceptible to scams.
• Take breaks while shopping online, as fatigue can increase the likelihood of risky behavior.
• Slow down and double-check details when entering payment information or clicking on promotional links.
• If something seems suspicious or feels “off,” step away and revisit it later with a clear mind.

Final Reminder

Holiday cybercrime evolves every year. Staying safe is not about living in fear, it’s about being aware. Taking a few extra precautionary steps can protect your finances, identity, and peace of mind throughout the season.