Let’s Talk Turkey: Holiday Travel, Shopping & Charity Scams to Watch for in November
Let’s Talk Turkey: Holiday Travel, Shopping & Charity Scams to Watch for in November
November brings cozy sweaters, pumpkin pie, and the anticipation of holiday cheer — but it also kicks off peak season for scammers. As families plan trips, shop for gifts, and donate to causes, fraudsters are ready to gobble up your hard-earned cash. Let’s talk turkey about the top scams to watch out for this season and how to protect yourself.
1. Travel Scams: Don’t Let a Scam Derail Your Holiday Plans
Planning a Thanksgiving getaway or booking tickets to visit family? Be cautious — travel scams often spike before the holidays.
Common Scams:
- Fake travel websites that mimic legitimate booking platforms.
- “Too-good-to-be-true” airfare deals shared via email or social media.
- Vacation rental scams on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where listings don’t actually exist.
How to Stay Safe:
- Book through reputable, well-known travel sites or directly through airlines/hotels.
- Avoid wiring money or paying with gift cards — major red flags.
- Verify listings and read reviews before booking vacation rentals.
2. Shopping Scams: Black Friday Deals or Cyber Monday Steals?
As soon as Halloween ends, the race for holiday bargains begins. But amid the Black Friday and Cyber Monday chaos, scammers are waiting to pounce.
Common Scams:
- Fake online stores that take your money but never deliver goods.
- Phishing emails pretending to be from popular retailers offering "limited time" deals.
- Counterfeit goods sold through shady online marketplaces.
How to Stay Safe:
- Stick to trusted retailers and check website URLs carefully (watch for small misspellings or odd domains).
- Don’t click links in unsolicited emails; go directly to the retailer’s website.
- Use credit cards, which offer more fraud protection than debit cards or peer-to-peer apps.
3. Charity Scams: Give Thanks, Not Your Bank Info
The season of giving brings out generosity — and, unfortunately, fraud. Fake charities prey on good intentions, especially after disasters or during Giving Tuesday.
Common Scams:
- Phony charities that sound legitimate but are completely made up.
- Emotional social media posts asking for donations through suspicious links.
- High-pressure phone calls urging immediate donations.
How to Stay Safe:
- Research organizations on sites like Charity Navigator or the IRS tax-exempt organization search.
- Don’t give under pressure — real charities will let you take your time.
- Be cautious of how you donate — use secure websites and never send cash.
Final Thought: Don’t Be a Holiday Turkey
The holidays should be about warmth, connection, and gratitude — not regret over getting scammed. By staying alert and thinking twice before you click, book, or donate, you can make sure your holiday season is joyful, not stressful.
So, let’s talk turkey — and make smart choices this November.