“Eight Holiday Scams a-Circling: Protecting Your Family and Business”

By Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys

The holiday season often brings generosity and celebration, but it also opens the door for scams that can cost you time, money, or sensitive information. These scams are not always dramatic or obvious; many are small, believable tricks designed to exploit the busy, trusting nature of this time of year. Both consumers and business owners need to stay alert to avoid falling victim.

Below are eight common holiday scams to watch for, with practical tips to protect yourself and your business.

Fake Contractor Offers

During the holidays, many people schedule home repairs or improvements. Scammers take advantage by offering cheap or urgent services, often door-to-door or via unsolicited calls. These offers may seem legitimate but often lead to shoddy work or no work at all after payment.

How to protect yourself:

• Always verify licenses and insurance before hiring.

• Get multiple quotes and check references.

• Avoid paying large sums upfront.

• Be wary of pressure to act immediately.

  
  

Imposter Customer Service Calls

Scammers impersonate customer service representatives from well-known companies, claiming there is a problem with your account or recent purchase. They ask for personal information or payment details to "fix" the issue.

Tips to avoid this scam:

• Never provide personal or payment information over unsolicited calls.

• Hang up and call the official company number directly.

• Remember, legitimate companies do not demand immediate payment over the phone.

  
  

Fraudulent Charity Links

Holiday generosity makes fraudulent charity appeals common. Scammers create fake websites or emails asking for donations to causes that sound urgent or emotional.

Stay safe by:

• Donating only to verified charities through official websites.

• Avoiding clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.

• Researching the charity’s legitimacy on trusted platforms like Charity Navigator.

  
  

Duplicate Product Listings Online

Online shopping surges during the holidays, and scammers exploit this by creating duplicate listings of popular products at attractive prices. These listings often lead to counterfeit goods or no delivery at all.

How to spot and avoid these scams:

• Purchase from reputable retailers or verified sellers.

• Check seller reviews and ratings carefully.

• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

  
  

Holiday online shopping website showing suspicious duplicate product listings

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Chargeback Scams Against Business Owners

Some customers exploit the holiday rush by making purchases and then disputing the charges with their bank, claiming fraud or non-delivery. This leaves business owners out of pocket for products or services already delivered.

Business owners can reduce risk by:

• Keeping detailed records of transactions and communications.

• Using secure payment methods with fraud protection.

• Verifying customer identities for large or unusual orders.

  
  

Fake Invoices or Subscriptions

Businesses and consumers alike may receive fake invoices or subscription renewal notices that look official. These often demand immediate payment for services never requested or used.

To avoid falling for these:

• Verify invoices by contacting the company directly using known contact details.

• Review subscription services regularly to confirm active agreements.

• Do not pay invoices without confirming their legitimacy.

  
  

Investment Pitches with Aggressive Deadlines

Holiday season scams sometimes include investment offers promising high returns but pressuring quick decisions. These pitches often come via email or phone and use holiday urgency to push you into a bad deal.

Protect yourself by:

• Taking time to research any investment opportunity.

• Consulting with a trusted financial advisor.

• Avoiding pressure to invest immediately.

  
  

Requests for Payment Outside Secure Methods

Scammers often ask for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency during the holidays. These methods are hard to trace and recover once sent.

Best practices include:

• Insisting on secure, traceable payment methods like credit cards.

• Questioning any request to pay outside normal channels.

• Confirming payment details independently before sending money.

  
  
  
  

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not stress over scams. Remember, urgency is rarely legitimate. Real businesses and charities allow time for questions and verification. Taking a moment to pause and verify can save you thousands of dollars and protect your personal information.

Stay vigilant, ask questions, and enjoy the holidays with confidence. If you have been or think you are being scammed Davis Law Group can help. Schedule a consultation or call 404-446-2392 today to protect yourself or your business.