Tis’ the Season for Holiday Scams
By Money & Finance Editor Ellen Duffy, CFP™
As the holiday season approaches, online shopping, charitable giving, and travel planning all increase—unfortunately, so does fraudulent activity.
Scammers take advantage of the heightened spending and urgency this time of year brings, targeting consumers with fake online deals, counterfeit charity requests, and phishing messages disguised as package delivery updates. These schemes often look convincing, using familiar brand names or seasonal language to trick people into sharing personal information or making payments.
To stay safe, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages—especially those urging quick action…
Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts, even if they appear legitimate, and instead navigate directly to the company’s official website.
When shopping online, stick to trusted retailers and double-check URLs for misspellings or unusual domains.
Strengthening your digital hygiene can also make a big difference. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, ideally at least 12 characters long, and consider using a reputable password manager to keep track of them and avoid saving your usernames and passwords to your devices.
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) wherever available adds an extra layer of protection that can stop scammers even if they obtain your password. Device safety is just as important.
Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated with the latest security patches, and ensure your antivirus software is active and current.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions or holiday shopping, as unsecured networks can expose your data to cybercriminals. You can reduce risk by using a virtual private network (VPN) when you’re on the go or waiting until you’re on a secure, private connection.
By combining smart browsing habits with strong passwords and secure devices, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season while keeping your personal and financial information protected.
Ellen Duffy is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder and owner of Parkway Wealth Management, a comprehensive financial practice with a focus on women and families. Learn more about Ellen and Parkway Wealth Management at www.parkwaywealth.net. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor.