Common Holiday Scams and How to Protect Yourself

The holiday season is a time for celebration, giving, and connecting with loved ones—but unfortunately, it’s also a time when fraudsters ramp up their efforts. As shoppers look for deals, send gifts, and give to charities, scammers look for opportunities. At Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, we want to help you stay informed and protected so you can focus on what matters most this season.

Below are some of the most common holiday scams to watch for and tips to keep yourself safe.

1. Online Shopping Scams

Fraudsters create fake retail websites, social media shop pages, and “too-good-to-be-true” ads. These sites often offer steep discounts on popular items but never deliver the product.
Protect yourself:

  • Shop from trusted and verified retailers.

  • Look for secure website indicators such as “https.”

  • Avoid deals that seem suspiciously low.

2. Package Delivery Scams

Scammers send texts or emails claiming your package is delayed or requires updated shipping information. Clicking the link often exposes your device to malware or steals your personal information.
Protect yourself:

  • Track packages only through official carrier websites or apps.

  • Don’t click unexpected links, even if they look legitimate.

3. Gift Card Scams

You may receive a call, email, or message urging you to pay a bill, fee, or “urgent balance” with gift cards. Legitimate companies never request gift card payments.
Protect yourself:

  • Never purchase gift cards as a form of payment to someone you don’t know.

  • Use gift cards only for personal gifting or personal spending.

4. Charity Scams

The holidays inspire generosity, and scammers take advantage by posing as charities or creating fake donation websites.
Protect yourself:

  • Research charities on trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.

  • Be cautious of high-pressure donation requests.

5. Fake Job or Seasonal Work Scams

During the holiday hiring rush, scammers advertise fake job openings to steal personal information or money.
Protect yourself:

  • Be wary of jobs offering high pay for minimal work.

  • Never pay upfront for “training materials” or “equipment.”

6. Social Media Marketplace Scams

Fraudsters post items for sale on marketplaces, collect payment, and never deliver the product—or they may lure buyers into meeting in unsafe locations.
Protect yourself:

  • Use secure payment methods and avoid wire transfers or person-to-person payments with people you don’t know.

  • Conduct meetups at local safe zones if possible.

7. Phishing and Spoofing Scams

Criminals impersonate banks, delivery companies, or even friends. They may ask you to “verify” your account or update your password.
Protect yourself:

  • Don’t share personal information through email, text, or phone unless you initiated the contact.

  • Verify unusual requests by calling the company or person directly.

We’re Here to Help You Stay Safe

FTSB offers several tools and services designed to help you avoid fraud—from account alerts to debit card controls and secure digital banking features. If you ever receive a suspicious message, notice unusual account activity, or simply want advice on how to protect yourself, contact any of our locations. Our knowledgeable employees are always here to help you safeguard your information and your finances.

Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy a happy and secure holiday season!