Sneaky scams to watch for this holiday season (and how to outsmart them)

For some countries, the first signs of snow mark the coming of Christmas. In Australia, it's the dulcet tones of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" creeping into shopping centres across the country.

As Christmas nears, shoppers are eager to snag great deals—but so are scammers. With online shopping on the rise, cybercriminals are getting more creative in their efforts to steal personal information, payment details, and even identities.

While many are familiar with phishing scams, today's tactics have evolved to target unsuspecting shoppers. To help you stay safe this festive season, here are five sneaky scams to watch out for, along with tips on how to outsmart them.

Fake customer service chats pretending to fix order issues  

The scam: You've made an online purchase, but something feels off—maybe the confirmation email is missing, or the item isn't as expected. In these moments of uncertainty, scammers are ready to pounce. They often send emails that mimic legitimate retailers, preying on your instinct to resolve the issue. If you haven't received that confirmation email, you might be tempted to respond to unsolicited messages, believing they're legitimate. Scammers exploit this confusion, posing as customer service representatives and reaching out through pop-ups, social media, or messaging platforms, offering to "fix" the issue. But only if you share sensitive details like your order number or payment information.

How to outsmart it: If you encounter an order issue, contact customer service via the retailer's official website or app. Avoid unsolicited links from social media or emails; use the retailer's help centre instead. Scammers often mimic official logos, so always verify the source before sharing personal information.

Cloned mobile apps that steal your details  

The scam: One of the latest tricks in a scammer's playbook is cloning popular shopping apps. These fraudsters create nearly identical apps and entice unsuspecting shoppers to download them. At first glance, the apps look legitimate and function just like the real ones, lulling you into a false sense of security. However, behind the scenes, they're busy stealing your login credentials, payment information, and other personal details. Stay alert—if an app seems too good to be true, it probably is!

How to outsmart it: Before downloading any app, especially during busy shopping events like the lead-up to Christmas and Boxing Day, ensure it's from a trusted source. Stick to official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store and check reviews, download numbers, and the developer's name. Legitimate apps typically have thousands or millions of downloads and consistent reviews, while minimal downloads, odd logos, or unfamiliar developers are red flags. For extra security, search online for reports of fraudulent apps.

Social media giveaway scams that harvest your personal information  

The scam: During the holiday season, social media is filled with enticing giveaways promising exciting prizes. But beware—scammers know how irresistible these offers can be! They set up fake giveaways, luring you in by asking for your name, email, and home address in exchange for a chance to win. Instead of a sweet reward, you could fall victim to identity theft, with your information harvested and sold on the dark web.

How to outsmart it: Before entering a giveaway, verify the hosting account by checking for a blue checkmark, official contact details, and relevant posts. Fake accounts may mimic real ones but often have few followers and limited activity. If in doubt, visit the company's official website to confirm the promotion. Avoid sharing unnecessary information and clicking unfamiliar links.

Payment redirection scams  

The scam: One of the sneakiest tactics around? Fake invoices for purchases you never made! These scams look surprisingly convincing, featuring familiar logos and details that can easily fool even savvy shoppers. Scammers want you to think you owe money, urging you to pay quickly. However, be cautious. Clicking on these invoices can lead to malicious websites designed to steal your payment information or install harmful malware on your device.

How to outsmart it: Always check your purchase history before paying unexpected invoices. If you receive a suspicious invoice, log into the retailer's official website or app to verify your order history. Never pay through unsolicited emails. If the invoice doesn't match your purchases, it's likely a scam.

Phishing emails disguised as shipping updates  

The scam: Phishing emails spike during busy shopping seasons like Boxing Day. Scammers know shoppers are eager for updates, so they disguise their messages as shipping notifications from well-known retailers or couriers. These emails often contain fake tracking links or seemingly harmless attachments. But beware—one wrong click could lead you to a fraudulent site designed to steal your payment details or unleash malware on your device.

How to outsmart it: Use official tracking methods. After a purchase, enter your tracking number manually on the shipping carrier's website instead of clicking links in emails. Be wary of emails requesting sensitive information or containing unexpected attachments. If something feels rushed, take the time to verify its authenticity.

We're all on the quest for a great Christmas deal, but to avoid falling victim to scammers looking to exploit the shopping frenzy, staying alert is key. If something feels off, trust your instincts and double-check before taking action.

Outsmarting scammers is easier than you think: Stay informed, sceptical, and always verify offers.