The holiday season is a time for joy, cheer, and, unfortunately, scams. While you are busy buying gifts and spreading holiday cheer, scammers are looking for ways to steal your information and money. This guide will arm you with nine practical tips to identify and avoid these scams, from fake charities to phishing emails. Let's ensure your holiday season remains merry and scam-free.
Spotting Fake Charities
Every holiday season, scammers prey on goodwill by rolling out bogus charities. Their websites look professional, their stories tug at heartstrings, and their requests feel urgent. But behind the scenes, they’re pocketing your donations, not helping anyone in need.
How do you spot these fakes?
Check the name carefully: Scammers often use names that closely resemble real organizations. Look for small changes in spelling or extra words.
Verify before giving: Don’t trust a charity just because it pops up in your inbox or social feed. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm legitimacy.
Watch the website: Fake charities may use suspicious URLs or unsecured sites (no padlock symbol). If anything looks off, walk away.
Don’t give under pressure: Real charities will never rush or guilt you into donating on the spot.
A little caution goes a long way. Before you reach for your wallet, make sure your generosity lands in the right hands.
Identifying Phishing Scams
Phishing scams don’t take holidays. In fact, they spike when you least want them to—right in the middle of busy holiday shopping, travel bookings, and year-end deals. Scammers know people are distracted and eager to snag a bargain or respond to urgent “alerts” from their favorite brands.
Common Tactics Used in Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are designed to look like messages from companies you trust. Scammers mimic logos, addresses, and even the tone of legitimate brands. Here’s how they trick you:
Urgency: “Your account will be locked!” or “You’ve won a special holiday offer—claim now!” They want you to panic and act fast.
Imitation: Emails appear to come from Amazon, Apple, or your bank, complete with familiar branding.
Suspicious Links: Hyperlinks that lead to fake sites, asking for your login, credit card details, or other sensitive info.
Attachments: Files labeled as invoices, receipts, or order confirmations that actually hide malware.
What You Should Never Do
It’s easy to let your guard down during hectic times. But a split-second decision can expose your personal and financial information.
Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown or unexpected sources—even if the sender seems familiar.
Never share passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card info over email or through suspicious sites.
Look for red flags: misspelled addresses, generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” or odd formatting.
How to Stay Protected
You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Smart habits and the right tools go a long way.
Double-check sender addresses by hovering over the email address or link before clicking.
Type web addresses manually instead of clicking links in emails.
Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
Using Cloaked for Enhanced Protection
For an extra layer of defense, digital identity protection tools like Cloaked can help. Cloaked lets you create masked emails, phone numbers, and credit cards, so you never have to share your real details online. If a phishing scam tries to steal your info, it only gets access to your disposable data—not the real thing. This simple step can drastically limit the damage if you ever slip up and click something you shouldn’t.
Phishing scams are relentless, but with vigilance and the right digital habits, you can outsmart them. Stay alert and think twice before sharing anything online, especially during the holidays when scams are everywhere.
Avoiding Lookalike Online Stores
It’s easy to get caught off guard by fake online stores—especially when they’re dangling massive discounts in your face. These lookalike sites are designed to mimic real shops, right down to the logo and web address. They prey on shoppers’ excitement for a good deal, only to leave them empty-handed or worse, with stolen personal info.
Spotting the Red Flags
Before you click “buy now,” slow down and check for warning signs:
Too-Good-to-Be-True Discounts: If a store is offering prices that seem unreal, there’s a reason. Scammers use heavy discounts to draw people in quickly before they notice something’s off.
Suspicious URLs: Always check the web address. Lookalike stores often use URLs that are almost—but not quite—the same as well-known brands. They might swap letters (like “amzon.com” instead of “amazon.com”) or add extra characters. Pay close attention before entering any personal details.
Missing Security Markers: Look for a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar. That padlock means your connection is encrypted, making it safer to enter payment info. If you don’t see it, or the URL doesn’t start with “https://”, back out immediately.
Unprofessional Site Design: Many scam stores cut corners. Watch for spelling errors, blurry logos, or clunky layouts. If the site feels off, trust your gut.
Double-Check Before You Buy
Don’t just rely on what the website tells you. Take these extra steps:
Search for Reviews: Plug the store’s name into a search engine with words like “reviews” or “scam.” Real customer experiences will pop up quickly.
Use Trusted Sources: Check platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. If the business is missing or has a flood of negative reviews, that’s a clear signal to stay away.
Contact Information: A legitimate store will have clear contact details—phone numbers, physical addresses, and customer service emails. If you can’t find these, or the contact page is just a form, be wary.
Tools That Can Help
Modern privacy tools can add an extra layer of defense. For example, with Cloaked, you can generate masked emails and phone numbers for online shopping. If a site turns out to be fake, your real info stays protected. It’s a smart way to test unfamiliar stores without putting your data at risk.
Fake stores aren’t always easy to spot, but a little skepticism and a few quick checks go a long way in protecting your money and your identity.
Recognizing Bogus Deals
Scammers are getting craftier by the day, especially when it comes to online shopping. They prey on your excitement and urgency, hoping you’ll overlook red flags. Here’s how to spot these traps before you get caught.
Spotting the Red Flags
1. “Too Good to Be True” Offers
If a deal looks suspiciously cheap, it probably is. Scammers lure shoppers with prices far below market value—think designer shoes for $20 or the latest smartphone for half the retail price.
Always compare prices across reputable sites. If something stands out as an outlier, be cautious.
2. Emotional Pressure Tactics
Watch out for sob stories and urgent messages. Scammers often claim they're selling quickly due to emergencies—medical bills, sudden moves, or family crises.
These stories are crafted to bypass your better judgment and get you to act fast, skipping normal checks.
3. Fake Websites and Social Media Shops
Many scam sites look professional and mimic legitimate retailers. Double-check URLs for subtle misspellings or odd domain extensions.
Look for contact information. A real business will have clear customer support details, not just a web form.
Protecting Yourself
Stick With Trusted Retailers
Stick to stores you know or that have plenty of verified reviews. Unknown sellers and brand-new websites with no track record are risky.
Read reviews not just on their site but also on independent platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. If a site only accepts payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, walk away.
Avoid direct bank transfers unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with.
Guard Your Personal Information
Don’t give out extra details. Stick to the basics—name, shipping address, and payment info.
For an extra layer of privacy, consider using services like Cloaked, which lets you generate masked emails, phone numbers, and credit cards. That way, your real information stays hidden from untrustworthy sites.
Quick Checklist: How to Research Sellers
Google the company name + “scam” or “review”
Check for a physical address and working phone number
Look for a secure website (https:// and a padlock icon)
Scan for typos, poor grammar, or unprofessional design
Stay skeptical, stay sharp, and don’t let scammers cash in on your trust.
Safe Online Shopping Practices
Shopping online is convenient, but it comes with its fair share of risks. Hackers and scammers are getting smarter, so your defenses need to be stronger. Here’s how to keep your information out of the wrong hands.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Weak passwords are an open door for cybercriminals. A quick fix? Use long, complex passwords that mix upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Skip the pet’s name and go for something unpredictable.
Password managers can generate and store these for you, so you don’t have to remember them all.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a must. Even if someone gets your password, they’ll hit a brick wall without your second verification step. Most major retailers and payment platforms support 2FA—set it up wherever possible.
Secure Your Devices
Your computer or phone is your shopping cart and your wallet rolled into one. Keeping them safe is non-negotiable.
Antivirus software: Install reputable antivirus tools. They catch malicious software before it catches you.
Regular updates: Don’t ignore those update notifications. They patch security holes hackers love to exploit.
Device lock: Always lock your device when not in use. It’s a simple barrier that keeps prying eyes out.
Be Cautious With Public Wi-Fi; Use a VPN
Shopping while sipping coffee at your favorite café? Public Wi-Fi might seem handy, but it’s a playground for cyber snoops.
Avoid entering sensitive information (like credit card numbers) on public networks.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): These encrypt your internet traffic. If you must shop on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to keep your data safe from eavesdroppers.
Protect Personal and Financial Information
Not every website is what it seems. Fake sites mimic legitimate ones to steal your details.
Check the URL: Look for “https” and a padlock symbol before entering payment info. If something feels off, it probably is.
Phishing awareness: Don’t click on suspicious links in emails or texts. When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the address yourself.
Cloaked: Extra Layer of Privacy
When you want an added layer of privacy, Cloaked steps in. It lets you create secure, disposable email addresses and phone numbers, so you never have to share your real contact details with online stores. If a retailer’s data is breached, your true identity and information stay safe.
Shopping online should be stress-free, not a gamble. Simple steps like these keep your wallet and your peace of mind intact.
Securing Deliveries
Scammers are getting smarter—especially around the holidays. One of their favorite tricks? Fake delivery notifications. These scams often look like legit messages from well-known carriers, but their real goal is to steal your personal information.
How Delivery Scams Work
You might get an email, text, or even a social media message claiming there's an issue with your package. The message usually urges you to click a link to reschedule delivery, pay a fee, or confirm details. That link, however, can lead you straight into trouble:
Phishing sites: Fake websites that look real, ready to grab your login or payment info.
Malware downloads: Clicking can trigger harmful software that spies on your device.
Data harvesting: Even a simple form can steal names, addresses, or credit card numbers.
Safe Ways to Track Deliveries
Don’t trust links in messages, even if they seem urgent. Stick to these steps:
Track packages only on official carrier websites or apps. Go directly to UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon—not through a link in an email.
Bookmark the official tracking page of your favorite delivery services.
Check order details in your account (not through email links) for any updates.
A friend once got a text that looked like it came from FedEx. The link led to a site that wanted credit card info “to confirm delivery.” The real FedEx site? No such request.
Secure Delivery Options
There are smarter ways to keep your packages safe:
Use delivery lockers at grocery stores, pharmacies, or Amazon hubs.
Choose signature-required delivery when available, so packages aren’t left unattended.
Enable delivery alerts through the carrier’s official app—not through third-party emails.
For an extra layer of security, consider privacy tools like Cloaked. Cloaked lets you create masked emails and phone numbers so scammers can’t easily connect your delivery details to your real identity. If a scammer tries to phish you, the damage stops at your masked info—not your real inbox.
Spotting Fake Delivery Notifications
Here’s what to watch out for:
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Urgent language demanding immediate action.
Weird sender addresses—look for slight misspellings or extra numbers.
Links that don’t match the carrier’s official website. Hover over links before clicking, or better yet, don’t click at all.
Stay sharp. If something feels off, go straight to the source. Protecting your deliveries is about more than just the package—it’s about keeping your personal data locked down.
Researching Companies and Offers
Making purchases or donations online comes with risks—scams, fake stores, and misleading offers are everywhere. To avoid trouble, you need to do your homework before handing over money or sensitive details.
How to Vet a Company
Search for Reviews and Complaints
Check reputable review sites: Platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and even Reddit can reveal a company’s reputation.
Look for patterns: A single bad review isn’t a red flag. Multiple complaints about the same issue—like missing deliveries or poor customer support—should make you pause.
Watch out for fake reviews: If every review looks copy-pasted, all five stars, or posted within a short time, something’s fishy.
Assess Online Presence
Legitimate companies have a digital footprint. Google the company’s name, and check their website, social media, and contact info.
No presence, no trust: If you can’t find any evidence the business exists outside their own website, it’s a sign to walk away.
Spot Lookalike and Clone Sites
Scammers copy legitimate brands. Double-check the web address (URL). A single misplaced letter or odd domain extension (like .xyz instead of .com) can signal a copycat.
Search for the real site: Type the brand’s name into Google and compare the top results to the website you’re viewing.
Beware of Pressure Tactics
“Limited time only” or “last chance” pop-ups are designed to make you act fast. Take a breath and double-check the offer.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Suspiciously steep discounts are a common lure.
Dig Deeper for Charities and Crowdfunding
Verify nonprofit status: Use tools like GuideStar or Charity Navigator to confirm legitimacy.
Check for transparency: Legitimate organizations show where donations go and offer clear financial records.
When Cloaked Can Help
If a company asks for your email, phone, or credit card info and you’re not fully confident in them, consider using Cloaked. Cloaked creates masked emails and phone numbers, so your real information stays safe even if the company turns out to be shady. It’s a simple way to reduce the risk of spam, phishing, or identity theft when dealing with unfamiliar sites.
Quick Reference Checklist
Search for company name + “scam” or “review”
Check BBB, Trustpilot, Reddit, and social media
Inspect the website’s URL for typos or odd domains
Review the site’s contact info and digital presence
Pause if you feel rushed or pressured to buy
A little research goes a long way. It’s the easiest way to avoid headaches later.
Using Cloaked for Added Security
Staying a step ahead of scammers means being proactive with your digital defenses. Cloaked gives you the tools to safeguard your identity and personal information, so you don’t have to constantly look over your shoulder. Let’s break down how you can use Cloaked to keep your private data locked tight.
Your personal data—phone numbers, emails, even payment details—can become easy targets if left unprotected. Cloaked lets you generate secure, disposable aliases for sensitive information. Instead of handing out your real email or phone number to every new app or website, you can use a Cloaked alias. This makes it much harder for scammers to reach you or misuse your details.
Why Cloaked’s aliases matter:
Shield your inbox: Use single-use email addresses to prevent spam and phishing attacks.
Protect your phone: Generate unique phone numbers for online signups, stopping robocalls and SMS scams.
Keep cards safe: Share masked payment details when needed, keeping your real banking info private.
Spotting and Verifying Suspicious URLs
Phishing attacks are getting sneakier. Scammers often use links that look almost real, hoping you’ll click without thinking. With Cloaked, you can check suspicious URLs before you open them. This feature helps you avoid those fake websites designed to steal your info.
When to use URL checks:
You get an email or text from an unknown sender.
A website asks for sensitive info and something feels off.
You’re unsure if a link is from your bank, a retailer, or a social site.
Stay Prepared with Cloaked’s Security Solutions
It’s not enough to react after a scam attempt—prevention is key. Cloaked offers automated alerts and easy-to-use privacy controls. You can monitor for signs of data breaches and get notified if your information appears on the dark web. This way, you’re always in the loop and ready to act before any real damage is done.
Takeaways for everyday users:
Use aliases for every new sign-up.
Double-check suspicious links with Cloaked’s tools.
Set up alerts to catch breaches early.
Securing your personal and financial information shouldn’t be a full-time job. With Cloaked, you gain powerful, practical defenses—without extra hassle.
Preparing for Emergencies
When you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, every second matters. No one wants to imagine falling for a scam, but knowing exactly what to do can make the difference between a close call and real financial loss. Let’s walk through the steps you need to follow if you think your information has been compromised.
What To Do If You Suspect a Scam
Stay calm, but act fast. Scammers count on panic and confusion. Here’s your immediate action plan:
Stop all communication with the suspected scammer. Don’t respond to emails, texts, or phone calls. If you clicked a suspicious link, disconnect your device from the internet.
Document everything. Take screenshots of messages, emails, or websites involved. Note down times, dates, and any details. This can help investigators later.
Contact Your Bank Immediately
If you think your financial information might be at risk:
Call your bank’s fraud hotline right away. Ask them to freeze your accounts, block suspicious transactions, and issue new cards if necessary.
Update your online banking passwords and security questions. Use strong, unique passwords that you haven’t used elsewhere.
Enable transaction alerts. These notifications let you spot and respond to unauthorized activity instantly.
Report to Authorities
Reporting helps authorities track and shut down scammers. It also protects others:
File a report with your local police. While you might not get your money back, an official report is useful for insurance and bank claims.
Report the scam to consumer protection agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. or your country’s equivalent.
Notify credit bureaus. Request a fraud alert or credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Monitor Your Credit and Accounts
Scammers sometimes wait before using stolen information. Stay vigilant:
Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions.
Review your credit report at least once a year, or more often if you suspect fraud.
Use monitoring tools that alert you to changes in your credit file.
Protecting Your Information Going Forward
If you’re tired of worrying about where your personal data might end up, consider privacy-first tools. For example, Cloaked offers a way to generate alternative phone numbers and email addresses—giving you control over what information you share online. This can dramatically reduce your risk if a company you interact with is later breached.
Key takeaway: Quick action is your best defense. Know the steps, trust your instincts, and use smart privacy tools to limit exposure. Staying prepared can turn a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
