Stay Safe During Travel, Shopping, and the Holidays
November Scam Watch: Stay Safe During Travel, Shopping, and the Holidays
November brings cooler weather, bustling travel, holiday shopping, and opportunities to give back—but it also brings a rise in scams. Scammers take advantage of busy schedules, generosity, and family connections. Awareness is the key to protecting yourself and your loved ones this season.
This month is also about thankfulness—taking a moment to appreciate our loved ones, our communities, and the things we often take for granted. Protecting yourself from scams is part of looking out for yourself and those you care about.
Travel Scams: Don’t Let Vacation Plans Backfire
With Thanksgiving travel in full swing, scammers target travelers with fake flight deals, rental car offers, and vacation packages. They may ask for upfront payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or other nontraditional methods.
Tips to protect yourself:
- Book travel through reputable companies or official websites
- Verify deals independently before paying
- Avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers
Shopping Scams: Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
Holiday shopping increases the risk of online scams. Fake websites, counterfeit products, and phishing emails can trick shoppers into giving personal or payment information.
Stay safe by:
- Shopping only on trusted websites
- Checking URLs carefully for subtle misspellings
- Being cautious of “limited time” offers that pressure immediate action
Family Scams: When Scammers Prey on Loved Ones
Imposter scams spike during the holidays. Scammers may pose as relatives in urgent need of help, claiming they are stranded or in trouble. These schemes exploit emotions and the instinct to help family.
Protect yourself and loved ones:
- Pause and verify the story by contacting another family member directly
- Avoid sending money or sharing personal information without confirmation
Charity Scams: Give Wisely
November marks the start of holiday giving, and scammers capitalize on generosity. Fake charities may solicit donations through email, phone, or social media, often claiming to support disaster relief or children in need.
Safe giving tips:
- Donate to well-known, reputable organizations
- Verify charities through official websites or watchdog groups
- Avoid cash donations or wiring money to unknown sources
Stay Thankful—and Alert
This November, as we take time to be thankful for family, friends, and community, let’s also stay vigilant against scammers. Slowing down, verifying requests, and being mindful of suspicious activity helps ensure your gratitude isn’t overshadowed by fraud.
Protecting yourself and others is one of the best ways to celebrate the season—and make it truly joyful.