As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving can sometimes be overshadowed by the lurking threat of scams. From lookalike shopping sites to fake social media ads, scammers are getting more sophisticated. It's crucial to arm yourself with the right knowledge and tools to navigate this festive season without falling prey to fraud. These seven tips will help you spot potential scams and protect your hard-earned money and personal information.
Spotting Lookalike Shopping Websites
Scammers know the easiest way to trick shoppers is by building fake sites that look almost identical to popular retailers. These copycat sites often pop up around the holidays, hoping you’ll be too distracted by sales to notice the subtle differences. Misspelled URLs, slightly altered brand names, and low-quality logos are their bread and butter.
How to Verify a Website Before You Shop
1. Check the URL Closely: Real sites use their exact brand name. If you see odd dashes, extra letters, or strange domain extensions like .shop instead of .com, that's a red flag.
2. Look for HTTPS: Secure sites show a padlock icon and start with “https.” While not foolproof, the absence of this can signal danger.
3. Review the Site’s Content: Spot typos, blurry images, or missing pages? Scammers often rush to copy, so these mistakes slip through.
4. Search for Contact Information: Reputable stores provide real phone numbers, physical addresses, and customer service details. If the site hides these, proceed with caution.
5. Google the Seller: Type the website name along with “scam” or “review” to see if others have flagged issues.
Falling for a lookalike site can lead to losing both your money and your personal information. Taking a minute to double-check the details can spare you a holiday headache.
Recognizing Fake Social Media Ads
Scams on Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms have become alarmingly common, especially during holiday seasons when everyone’s looking for last-minute deals or the perfect gift. Fraudsters are savvy—they know how to mimic legitimate brands and create eye-catching ads that look just like the real thing. It’s easy to let your guard down for a split second and fall into their trap.
The Reality: Fake Ads Are Everywhere
You’re scrolling through your feed. Up pops a sponsored ad for “unbeatable discounts” on popular gadgets or travel deals that seem too good to pass up. The branding looks familiar. The prices are shockingly low. Many shoppers, drawn in by urgency or a flashy offer, click without a second thought. But these ads often lead straight to scammers.
Why Are Fake Ads So Prevalent?
Low cost to create and target ads: Scammers can easily set up pages and run ads for a minimal investment.
Sophisticated mimicry: Many fake ads copy branding, logos, and even user reviews from real businesses.
Easy reach: With billions of users, Facebook and Instagram are perfect hunting grounds for scammers.
How to Spot a Fake Social Media Ad
Spotting fake ads isn’t always easy, but a little skepticism goes a long way. Here are practical tips to help you stay safe:
1. Scrutinize the Seller and Website
Check the URL: Hover over the link before clicking. Look for strange domain names or subtle misspellings (e.g., amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).
Research the business: Google the seller. Do they have a real, functioning website? Are there customer reviews on independent platforms?
Check social media pages: Look for verified badges. Fake pages often have few followers and limited engagement.
2. Examine the Ad Content
Look for grammar errors: Poor spelling, awkward phrases, or odd formatting can be red flags.
Watch for aggressive urgency: Phrases like “Only 3 left!” or “Sale ends in 5 minutes!” are classic pressure tactics.
Too-good-to-be-true offers: If the price is way below normal, assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.
3. Double-Check Payment Methods
Avoid direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency: Legitimate businesses offer secure, traceable payment options.
Use credit cards or secure payment platforms: They offer buyer protection if something goes wrong.
4. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off—whether it’s the price, the website design, or the seller’s communication—pause and dig deeper. Scammers bank on impulse.
Why Researching Sellers Matters
A little research can save you a lot of pain. Fake ads aren’t just about losing money. They can lead to identity theft if you provide personal information on a bogus site. Always:
Look up business reviews outside the ad or social media platform.
Search for scam alerts related to the seller’s name or website.
Ask friends or family if they’ve heard of the business.
Stay Safer With Cloaked
If you want an extra layer of protection, tools like Cloaked can help. Cloaked generates secure, disposable email addresses and phone numbers so you never have to give out your real information to unknown sellers. If a site turns out to be shady, your personal data stays protected. It’s a simple step that adds peace of mind every time you shop or sign up online.
Avoiding Phishing Scams
Phishing scams ramp up during the holidays, and cybercriminals know exactly how to pull at the strings of urgency and excitement. Fake delivery notifications, “missed package” alerts, and bogus emails from well-known retailers flood inboxes just when everyone is expecting gifts or important orders. It’s a season of giving—and unfortunately, also a season of taking, for scammers.
Common Holiday Phishing Tactics
Cybercriminals are quick to mimic the brands and messaging styles of shipping companies, online marketplaces, and even friends or family. Here’s what you’re likely to see:
Fake Delivery Notifications: You receive a text or email claiming your package is delayed or undeliverable, prompting you to “click here” to resolve the issue.
Bogus Order Confirmations: Emails from “Amazon,” “FedEx,” or “UPS” with urgent subject lines like “Order Issue – Immediate Action Needed.”
Spoofed Customer Service: Fraudulent emails or calls pretending to be from support teams, asking for personal information to “verify your identity.”
Phony Tracking Links: Messages with links that direct you to lookalike websites, ready to steal your login credentials.
The hook is always the same: urgency and a call to action that makes you click before you think.
How to Stay One Step Ahead
Phishing attempts are getting more sophisticated, but the basics of protecting yourself remain steady:
Never click suspicious links. If you didn’t expect a package, treat unsolicited notifications with suspicion.
Verify sender addresses. Real shipping companies don’t use odd email addresses. Check the full sender’s address—don’t just trust the display name.
Go straight to the source. If you’re unsure about a delivery, open a new browser window and type in the official website of the shipping carrier or retailer. Log in directly to your account to check order status.
Look for grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. Many scams still slip up on language.
Don’t provide sensitive information. Shipping companies will never ask for passwords, credit card numbers, or social security details over email or text.
Confirming Shipment Issues Safely
If you get a notification about a delivery problem:
1. Do not use links in the message. Go to the official carrier website (FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL) and use their tracking tool.
2. Contact customer service using the official number from the carrier’s website, not the one provided in the email or text.
3. Check your recent orders. Log in to your retailer account directly—never through a link provided in a notification.
How Cloaked Can Help
Phishing relies on stealing personal data. Cloaked helps by letting you create masked email addresses and phone numbers, reducing the exposure of your real contact details. Even if scammers get their hands on a masked address, your primary inbox and phone remain protected. For anyone who shops or ships frequently, this extra layer can be a lifesaver during the holidays.
Stay alert. Trust your gut. If something feels off, slow down and double-check before taking any action.
Using Digital Security Tools
Digital threats don’t take holidays. If anything, scammers ramp up their efforts when people are distracted or traveling. That’s why digital security tools are more important than ever—especially when shopping online, booking trips, or checking emails on public Wi-Fi.
Essential Digital Security Tools
Antivirus Software
Purpose: Detects and blocks malware, spyware, ransomware, and viruses before they wreak havoc.
Why it matters: Cybercriminals use infected links or fake holiday deals to lure victims. A strong antivirus program can catch threats that slip through email or browser filters.
Pro Tip: Keep your antivirus updated. New threats pop up daily, and outdated software won’t catch the latest scams.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Purpose: Encrypts your internet connection, making it tough for hackers to snoop on your data, especially on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Why it matters: Airports, cafes, and hotels are notorious hunting grounds for cybercriminals. Using a VPN adds a protective layer, shielding personal information and financial details from prying eyes.
Password Managers
Purpose: Generates and stores complex, unique passwords for every account.
Why it matters: Reusing passwords is a goldmine for hackers. A password manager makes it simple to use strong, different passwords everywhere without needing to remember them all.
Tools Designed for Identity Protection
Not all digital threats come through malware. Sometimes, scammers piece together stolen information to commit identity theft or fraud. That’s where specialized tools step in.
Identity Monitoring Services: These watch the web, including shady corners, for your personal data—alerting you if your info appears somewhere it shouldn’t.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds a second step to logins, like a code sent to your phone, making it much harder for thieves to break in with just a stolen password.
How Cloaked Fits In
Cloaked offers a practical solution if you want to guard your personal information. It creates unique, disposable emails, phone numbers, and credit card details you can use for online shopping or sign-ups. If a site is compromised or starts spamming you, you can simply turn off that specific Cloaked identity—no need to worry about your real details floating around the internet. This approach is especially valuable during the holiday season, when sharing your information with multiple new vendors increases your risk.
Quick Checklist: Staying Secure
Install and update antivirus software.
Use a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Rely on password managers for strong, varied passwords.
Consider tools like Cloaked for extra privacy and fraud prevention.
Set up 2FA everywhere possible.
Digital security tools aren’t just for tech experts. With a few smart choices, you can make life much harder for scammers and enjoy peace of mind through the holidays.
Understanding Gift Card Scams
Gift card scams are everywhere, and they can catch even the most careful shoppers off guard. Scammers love gift cards because they’re hard to trace and easy to cash out. They use clever tricks to pressure people into buying cards and handing over the codes. Here’s how these scams work, and what you need to watch out for.
How Gift Card Scams Happen
Scammers use a range of tactics to make victims panic or act fast. Here’s what typically happens:
Impersonation: Fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust—a boss, family member, or even tech support. They might say there’s an emergency and ask you to buy gift cards quickly.
Fake Prizes or Threats: You might get a call or email claiming you’ve won a prize, owe taxes, or need to pay a bill. The catch? Payment has to be made with a gift card.
Online Marketplaces: Some scammers sell gift cards at a “discount” on social media or shady websites. When you buy, you either get a card with no balance or nothing at all.
Common Warning Signs
Be alert to these red flags:
Pressure to Act Fast: Scammers create urgency so you don’t have time to think.
Requests for Card Numbers: No legitimate business or agency will ask for gift card codes over the phone or email.
Unusual Payment Methods: If someone insists on payment by gift card, it’s almost always a scam.
How to Buy Gift Cards Safely
Protect yourself by sticking to these habits:
1. Buy from Trusted Retailers: Always purchase gift cards directly from reputable stores or official websites. Avoid third-party sellers you don’t know.
2. Inspect Physical Cards: Check for scratched-off PINs or tampered packaging. Report anything suspicious to the store immediately.
3. Keep Receipts: Save your receipt until the recipient uses the card. It can help if you need to report fraud.
4. Don’t Share Codes: Never give out the numbers on the back of a gift card to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
What To Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted or scammed:
Stop Communicating: Cut off contact with the scammer right away.
Report It: Contact the retailer and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Watch Your Accounts: Scammers may try other tactics after a first success.
Staying a Step Ahead
Scams keep evolving. Tools like Cloaked can help protect your identity and personal information when buying or sending gift cards online. By using privacy tools, you limit the amount of personal data scammers can access, making it harder for them to target you.
Gift cards are meant to be gifts, not a gateway for thieves. Stay sharp, question anything that feels off, and always follow safe purchasing practices.
Protecting Against Marketplace Scams
Online marketplaces like Etsy and Craigslist are magnets for scammers, especially during the holiday season. They know people are hunting for deals and often let their guard down. Understanding how these fraudsters operate is your first line of defense.
How Scammers Operate
Scammers typically use a few tried-and-tested tricks to lure victims:
Fake Listings: They post attractive products at prices that seem too good to pass up. Once you show interest, they pressure you for quick payment—often outside the platform’s secure channels.
Phishing Messages: Scammers might send emails or messages pretending to be from the marketplace. Their goal? To steal your login credentials or payment info.
Overpayment Schemes: A buyer “accidentally” sends you too much money, then asks for a refund of the difference. In reality, their original payment is fake and you’re out the refund.
Counterfeit or Nonexistent Goods: Items never arrive, or if they do, they’re cheap knock-offs. On platforms like Etsy, where many sellers are small businesses, this can be particularly devastating.
Spotting and Avoiding Scams
Red Flags to Watch For:
Prices that are dramatically lower than elsewhere
Sellers who refuse to meet in person or use secure payment methods
Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies
Poor grammar or strange phrasing in messages
Urgency tactics—like “buy now or lose this deal”
Smart Practices:
Always communicate and pay through the official platform. Platforms have protections in place that you lose if you step outside their systems.
Research the seller or buyer. Check reviews, ratings, and for any complaints.
Never share sensitive information (like your full address or financial details) unless it’s required and you trust the platform.
Meet in public places if you’re picking up or delivering items locally.
Double-check URLs for phishing attempts; scammers often use links that look almost—but not quite—like the real site.
Holiday-Specific Tips for 2025
The holidays bring out more shoppers—and more scammers. Be extra cautious with last-minute deals and sellers claiming limited stock. If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away.
For an extra layer of safety, consider using tools like Cloaked, which allows you to create secure, disposable emails and phone numbers when interacting with buyers or sellers. This keeps your real contact information private, making it harder for scammers to target you after a transaction.
Staying alert and sticking to smart practices can help you enjoy a safer, scam-free holiday shopping experience.
Safeguarding Seniors Against Scams
Holiday scams targeting seniors are on the rise. Fraudsters know that older adults are often trusting, may live alone, and can be more vulnerable to slick pitches or scare tactics. Every year, billions are lost to scams that prey on seniors’ desire to help family, find companionship, or score a holiday deal. It’s not just about losing money—scams can also damage confidence and independence.
Why Are Seniors at Greater Risk?
Increased Trust: Seniors often grew up in a time when door-to-door sales or friendly calls weren’t red flags. Scammers exploit this goodwill.
Less Familiarity with Tech: Many older adults aren’t as comfortable spotting fake websites, phishing emails, or suspicious texts.
Isolation: Seniors who feel lonely may be more willing to engage with callers or online “friends.”
Common Holiday Scams Aimed at Seniors
Fake Charity Appeals: Scammers create urgent, heart-tugging stories to push seniors into donating to bogus causes.
Gift Card Scams: Fraudsters demand payment for fake prizes or bills with gift cards, which are hard to trace.
Phishing Emails and Calls: Emails or calls that look like they’re from banks, delivery companies, or government agencies try to trick seniors into giving up personal info.
Grandparent Scams: Someone pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, asking for emergency funds.
Actionable Steps to Protect Older Adults
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact
Don’t respond to emails, calls, or texts from unknown sources.
If someone claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call back using an official number.
2. Never Rush a Decision
Scammers use pressure—“act now or miss out.” Remind seniors: if it’s urgent, it’s likely a scam.
Take a breath, pause, and verify.
3. Guard Personal Information
Never share Social Security numbers, banking details, or passwords over the phone or email.
Legitimate organizations won’t ask for this information unexpectedly.
4. Watch Out for Payment Requests
Be wary if anyone asks for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
These are top choices for scammers because they’re hard to recover.
5. Check Charities and Offers
Research charities before giving. Use trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
If a deal or prize sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Use Privacy Tools and Strong Passwords
Set up strong, unique passwords for each account.
Use privacy services, like Cloaked, that can generate secure email addresses and phone numbers. This keeps real contact info private, making it much harder for scammers to get through.
7. Talk Regularly
Keep communication open with older family members.
Encourage them to ask questions about anything suspicious—no judgment, just support.
Quick Checklist for Seniors
Pause and verify before acting.
Never share sensitive info with strangers.
Double-check charity names and offers.
Use privacy tools to mask real contact details.
Holiday scams can happen to anyone, but with clear steps and a bit of vigilance, seniors can enjoy the season without falling victim to fraud.
Cloaked FAQs Accordion
Frequently Asked Questions
Lookalike websites often have misspelled URLs, suspicious domain extensions (like .shop instead of .com), low-quality logos, and typos or blurry images in their content. Always check for HTTPS and verify contact details by looking for a physical address or phone number. Additionally, you should Google the retailer name along with terms like 'scam' or 'review' to identify any potential issues.
Fake social media ads can mimic legitimate brands with nearly identical logos and user reviews. Key red flags include unusually low prices, compelling urgency in the ad (e.g., 'Only 3 left!' or 'Sale ends in 5 minutes!'), grammatical errors, and suspicious URLs with misspellings when you hover over the link. It’s important to research the seller and check for verified social media pages before engaging.
To avoid phishing scams, always be cautious with unsolicited delivery notifications or order confirmations. Do not click on suspicious links; instead, navigate directly to the retailer or shipping company's official website. Verify sender email addresses for authenticity and look out for grammatical errors or awkward phrasing in messages. Moreover, never provide sensitive information like passwords or credit card details in response to unexpected messages.
The blog recommends several digital security tools: Antivirus software to detect and block malware; VPNs to secure internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi; and password managers to generate and store strong, unique passwords. Additionally, tools like Cloaked can help protect your personal information by generating unique, disposable email addresses and phone numbers for online transactions.
To avoid gift card scams, purchase gift cards only from trusted retailers or official websites. Always inspect the physical card for any signs of tampering, keep receipts until the card is used, and never share the card’s PIN or codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be cautious of urgent requests or offers that seem too good to be true, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
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.
