Holiday Safety Made Simple: 3 Steps to Protect What You Value Most

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and generosity, but it’s also a time when scammers become more active, targeting people when they’re distracted and vulnerable.

At Chelsea Groton, your security is a top priority. We’re committed to protecting your personal and financial information, especially during times when fraud is most prevalent, and there are many steps you can take to help too.

Tip 1: Shop only on trusted websites

Always question deals that seem too good to be true.
Take note of poor website design or missing contact information or URLs that are slightly off (e.g., amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).
Look for “https” in the URL, read reviews, and verify unfamiliar retailers before making a purchase.

Scammers create fake online stores that look legitimate, especially during the holiday shopping rush. These sites may advertise deep discounts on popular items. But once you pay, you may receive counterfeit goods, nothing at all, or worse, have your payment information stolen.

Tip 2: Never click on links from unknown senders

Don’t fall for unexpected messages about packages you didn’t order.
Be on the lookout for misspelled company names or suspicious-looking links.
If someone is using urgent language pressuring you to act quickly or else the package won’t arrive, it’s likely a scam.

During the holidays, it’s common to receive shipping updates but scammers take advantage of this. They send realistic-looking texts or emails pretending to be from major carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. These messages often claim there’s a problem with your delivery and include a link to “resolve” the issue.

Tip 3: Talk with your loved ones about common scams

Remind them not to believe requests for money or gift cards from “grandchildren” or fake charities.
Don’t fall for tech support scams claiming their computer has a virus.
Never respond to messages asking for personal or banking information.

Scammers often target older adults with convincing phone calls, emails, or social media messages, especially during the holidays when they may be more isolated or eager to connect with family.