Holiday Scams to Watch Out for in 2023

It’s no secret that scammers love to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holiday season. In fact, the FBI reports that Americans lose millions of dollars to bogus charities each year. So, how can you protect your giving spirit?

Cybercrime expert Cataline Party warns that many scammers use local phone numbers to make you feel safer. However, she advises listening closely, as they will never actually specify how they intend to help. These scammers may even claim that you’ve donated before and ask you to do it again.

It’s also crucial to pay close attention to the charity’s name, URL, and website. Scammers often create lookalike names and pages. Do not text to donate unless you are 100% sure the number and organization are legitimate.

Additionally, remember that crowdfunding websites are not always vetted by the site or other sources. If you open a suspicious email, do not click on any links or download any attachments. Keep your private information secure until you are certain your charitable choice is legitimate. You can verify this by checking with trusted sources like the BBB, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or GuideStar.