The holiday season is meant for celebration, generosity and connection. Unfortunately, it is also one of the busiest times of year for fraudsters. As people shop online, ship gifts, donate to charities and travel more often, scammers take advantage of the increased activity. Cyber threats also spike during winter, putting both your personal information and your finances at risk.
From phishing emails to fake delivery texts to fraudulent shopping sites, holiday scams are becoming more sophisticated every year. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family.
This guide breaks down the most common holiday scams, the red flags to watch for and how cybersecurity awareness can help keep your personal information secure.
Why Holiday Scams Increase in Winter
Scams rise dramatically between November and January for a few key reasons:
- People are shopping more frequently
- Online promotions and flash sales create urgency
- Charities launch year end fundraising campaigns
- Many individuals feel rushed and distracted
- Delivery notifications are common, so fake alerts are easier to disguise
Cybercriminals know this and target consumers when they are least likely to verify details.
The Most Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Delivery Texts and Emails
These messages claim your package is delayed or requires additional information. When you click the link, it may:
- Install malware on your device
- Steal login credentials
- Request payment or personal details
Check delivery status only through official websites or apps. Never click links from unknown senders.
2. Online Shopping Scams
Fraudulent websites and social media ads pop up everywhere during the holidays, often promoting:
- Unrealistically low prices
- Limited time offers
- “Last-minute” deals on high demand items
These sites may take your money and never send the product, or collect your payment information for identity theft. Verify the business, check reviews, and look for secure checkout indicators like “https” and a lock symbol.
3. Charity Scams
Fraudsters impersonate charities, especially during the holiday giving season. They may send emails, call directly or create fake fundraising pages.
Donate directly through the official website of a registered Canadian charity and avoid emotional pressure tactics.
4. Gift Card and Prize Scams
Scammers may claim you have won a contest or need to purchase gift cards for a friend, employer or family member. Once the gift card numbers are provided, the funds cannot be recovered.
Remember: no legitimate organization will ask for payment by gift card.
5. Travel Scams and Fake Booking Sites
With many families travelling for the holidays, fraudulent travel deals appear online. Fake booking sites look real but steal credit card details.
Book through well known providers or directly through airline and hotel websites.
How Cybersecurity Protects You During the Holidays
Cyber threats increase dramatically during the winter months, so cybersecurity awareness is essential. Here are the key steps to keep your personal information safe:
Use strong, unique passwords
Avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager for added security.
Enable two factor authentication
This extra step protects your accounts even if someone gets your password.
Update your devices regularly
Software updates help block new security vulnerabilities.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for shopping or banking
Public networks are not secure and can expose your data to cybercriminals.
Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
Keep a close eye on credit card transactions and bank statements for suspicious activity during the holidays.
How Insurance Can Support You After a Fraud Incident
While prevention is the priority, it is also important to understand what protections may be available if fraud does occur.
- Some home insurance policies include identity theft coverage, which may help with legal fees, lost wages and recovery assistance.
- Cyber insurance options are becoming more common for families and small businesses, offering support after data breaches or cyberattacks.
- Travel insurance may help if fraudulent bookings impact your holiday trip.
Speaking with your broker can help you understand what coverage you already have and whether additional protection makes sense for your situation.
_
Holiday scams evolve every year, but with the right awareness and cybersecurity habits, you can protect your personal information, finances and peace of mind. The holidays are a time to enjoy with the people you love, not a time to worry about fraudsters.
If you want to review your coverage or explore additional identity theft or cyber protection options, our commercial advisors would be happy to walk you through available coverages. Get in touch with us, today.
