AVOIDING HOLIDAY SCAMS — How to Stay Safe While Giving Back
The holiday season brings warmth, generosity, and...unfortunately, an uptick in scams
As people open their hearts (and wallets) to donate, shop, and support charitable causes, fraudsters seize the opportunity to exploit goodwill.
At R23 Law, we see a dramatic increase in holiday-related identity theft and consumer scams this time of year. Our R23 Law California Identity Theft Lawyers are here to help you understand the risks, spot the red flags, and take swift action if you’re affected.
Why Scammers Target the Holidays
December alone accounts for nearly one-third of annual charitable donations, making it a prime time for criminals to capitalize on emotions and urgency. Holiday scams are often:
Fast-moving
Emotionally manipulative
Technologically sophisticated (using fake websites, spoofed emails, or cloned donation portals)
Let’s look at the most common holiday scams and how to protect your identity.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Charity Scams
Scammers create phony charities or impersonate real ones to trick people into donating. These schemes can be difficult to spot, as fraudsters often:
Create convincing websites with fake 501(c)(3) numbers
Mimic branding from well-known organizations
Pressure you with “limited-time matching gift” offers
How to protect yourself:
Before giving, verify the charity through Charity Navigator or the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
2. Gift Card Scams
Scammers often push victims to buy gift cards for fake causes or “urgent” family emergencies. They may advertise steep discounts on online marketplaces or send phishing texts urging you to “redeem now.”
Once the card is drained, the money is nearly impossible to recover.
3. Package Delivery and Fake Retail Scams
You may get texts or emails claiming a package couldn’t be delivered or offering last-minute deals. These may:
Contain malicious links
Ask for personal or financial information
Trick you into entering login credentials on spoofed sites
Pro tip: Always track your packages directly through trusted retailer sites or your delivery app—not through emailed links.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you're a victim of a holiday scam, quick action is key to preventing further damage. Here’s what R23 Law recommends:
1. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—to flag your credit. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts.
2. Notify Financial Institutions
Call your bank, credit card companies, or any lender that may have been affected. Many offer fraud resolution teams that can freeze accounts or issue replacements.
3. File a Credit Reporting Dispute
If fraudulent activity has hit your credit report, file a dispute with the bureaus. R23 Law’s California FCRA attorneys can help ensure your dispute includes the right documentation and legal backing to be taken seriously.
4. Contact R23 Law for Legal Support
If you've lost money or had your identity stolen due to a scam, we can help:
Investigate how your information was compromised
Dispute fraudulent accounts or charges
Hold negligent parties (including businesses) accountable
Seek damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or California Identity Theft laws
Stay Safe and Generous This Season—with Confidence
The holidays are about giving, not getting taken advantage of. Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Lawyers are here to ensure your kindness doesn’t become a liability.
📞 Call R23 Law now for a free case review
🖊️ Submit your case online to speak with an identity theft attorney today
R23 Law
Fighting Fraud. Protecting Identity. Restoring Justice.
