Holiday hoaxes: Watch out for these 3 Facebook scams this Christmas
Spot the red flags and protect your wallet
The festive period brings joy, celebration, and shopping, but it also attracts scammers who prey on unsuspecting holiday shoppers.
With social media activity surging, platforms like Facebook have become fertile ground for fraudsters.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has reported taking down over 2 million fraudulent accounts in 2024 alone, highlighting the alarming scale of these scams.
Here’s a breakdown of the top three common scams to be wary of this holiday season – and tips on how to safeguard yourself.
Fake Holiday Coupons
Fraudsters circulate enticing offers for coupons or gift cards that appear to come from popular retailers. These scams often require victims to fill out surveys or share personal data, promising substantial discounts or rewards.
Red flags to spot:
- Messages offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Links leading to websites mimicking reputable brands, often riddled with grammatical errors and fake reviews.
How to stay safe:
- Verify offers directly on official retailer websites.
- Never share personal or financial details with unverified sources.
Christmas Gift Boxes
A festive “gift box” loaded with premium items at an unbelievable price is a common bait. These scams redirect users to phishing websites that request payments for “shipping fees” or harvest sensitive personal details.
Red flags to spot:
- Unrealistic discounts and phrases like “Limited Stock Available!”
- Websites lacking secure payment protocols (look for "https://" in the URL).
How to stay safe:
- Confirm promotions on the official social media pages or websites of trusted brands.
- Use secure payment methods, and never share bank or card details with questionable sources.
Discount Holiday Decorations
Bogus online stores advertise low-cost holiday decorations, such as artificial Christmas trees or fairy lights. Buyers often receive inferior products—or nothing at all. Scammers use polished ads, sometimes created with AI, to make their offers appear credible.
Red flags to spot:
- Prices far below market rates.
- No visible refund policies or legitimate customer service information.
How to stay safe:
- Research unknown online stores by checking external reviews.
- Use payment methods with buyer protection and monitor your bank statements for suspicious activity.
Meta’s global crackdown on scams
Meta has been ramping up its anti-scam measures worldwide in response to the rise in holiday fraud. In 2024, the tech giant dismantled over 2 million accounts linked to scams and removed 15,000 phishing URLs in Vietnam and 9,000 in Singapore, reflecting the global scope of these operations.
In a bid to raise awareness, Meta is partnering with safety experts and public figures. Campaigns like “Scams se Bacho”, featuring Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, aim to educate users about online safety through actionable tips. Initiatives include alerts on Facebook Marketplace and reminders on Instagram to caution users about potential scams.
Stay vigilant and shop safely
While the holiday season brings cheer, it’s also a time to exercise caution online. Always verify deals, avoid sharing sensitive information, and trust your instincts – if something feels suspicious, it probably is.
By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy a safe and scam-free festive season.