Protect yourself this holiday season.

The holiday season brings more shopping, more digital activity, and unfortunately, more opportunities for scammers. This time of year, we always see an increase in fraud attempts that target people who are busy, looking for deals, or managing additional financial pressures. Staying alert is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family.

Gift card scams are becoming especially common. With companies like Google now allowing instant online gift card purchases, scammers have found new ways to take advantage of people. When a transaction is fast and convenient, victims have less time to pause and notice red flags. As a reminder, if anyone asks you to pay with gift cards, it is a scam. There are no legitimate situations where this is required.

Below are several of the most common holiday scams we see each year, along with tips to help protect yourself.

1. Non Delivery Scam

What it is: Scammers advertise online products, take payment, and never deliver the item.
Red flags: Prices that look unusually low, requests for payment through gift cards or non-traditional methods.
Protection: Buy from trusted retailers and avoid paying through methods that offer no recourse.

2. Fake or Cloned Websites and Fraudulent Social Media Ads

What it is: Lookalike websites or ads mimic real retailers to trick shoppers.
Red flags: Misspelled web addresses, poor quality images, vague or missing contact information.
Protection: Type URLs directly into your browser and check for secure site indicators such as HTTPS.

3. Secret Shopper Job Scam

What it is: Victims are told they have been selected as mystery shoppers and receive fraudulent checks with instructions to return part of the funds.
Red flags: Requests to send money back, unsolicited job offers, payments that appear to clear and then later bounce.
Protection: Legitimate companies do not require applicants or shoppers to return funds or pay upfront.

4. Fraud Checks

What it is: Victims are convinced to deposit counterfeit checks.
Holiday context: Increased spending pressure makes people more vulnerable to unexpected offers or financial opportunities.
Red flags: Checks from unknown sources and urgent instructions regarding funds.
Protection: If you ever receive a check you are unsure about, contact Kalsee directly before taking action.

5. Fake Charity Scams

What it is: Scammers pose as charitable organizations during the giving season.
Red flags: High pressure requests, vague descriptions of how donations are used, gift card donation requests.
Protection: Verify charities through reputable sources such as Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

6. Fake Vacation Giveaways

What it is: Victims are told they won a prize but must pay fees before receiving it.
Red flags: Requests for taxes or fees upfront, unclear prize details, unsolicited notifications.
Protection: Legitimate contests do not require payment to claim a prize.

7. Fraudulent Package Emails or Texts

What it is: Fake shipping notices attempt to lure victims into clicking malicious links.
Red flags: Generic greetings, misspellings, mismatched web addresses.
Protection: Track packages directly with known carriers and avoid links from unknown senders.