5 Scam Texts You Need to Watch Out for Before the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, it's not just about the warmth of family gatherings and festive cheer; it's also prime time for scam artists to strike. In 2024, reported losses from these text scams reached $470 million, five times higher than the amount reported in 2020. With the hustle and bustle, many people become easier targets for fraudulent schemes. This guide will arm you against five common scam texts to watch out for during the holidays, helping you keep your finances safe and stress levels low.

Fake Delivery Notifications

During the holiday rush, scammers often send texts claiming that a package is waiting for you or that a delivery attempt failed. These messages might read, “Your package is on hold; click here to schedule delivery,” or “Delivery attempt failed. Pay $5 to release your package.” Red flags include unusual sender numbers, unexpected packages, urgent language, or links that don’t match official carrier websites.

Tip: Don’t click on links or call numbers in suspicious texts. Instead, log directly into your delivery account through the official website or app to verify any issues. Contact the carrier’s official customer service if you’re unsure.

Urgent Charity Appeals

The holiday season often brings increased charitable giving, which scammers exploit. You may receive texts that say, “Help disaster victims now. Donate today!” or “Support this cause before it’s too late.” Be cautious of messages asking for immediate action, unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, or senders you don’t recognize.

Tip: Before donating, research the charity through reputable sources like Charity Navigator or the organization’s official website. Never respond to texts with personal or financial information, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links.

Tax Refunds or Donation Deductions

As the year ends, scammers may try to trick you with texts about tax refunds or donation deductions. Messages could claim, “You are eligible for a $500 tax refund. Verify now,” or “Extra donation deduction available. Confirm here.” Red flags include texts from unofficial numbers, generic greetings like “Dear Taxpayer,” and urgent instructions to click links or provide personal identification information.

Tip: Government agencies, including the IRS, do not initiate contact via text for refunds or tax matters. If you receive a suspicious message, verify your account by logging into official government portals or calling the agency directly using verified numbers.

EZ-Pass Scams

Travelers relying on EZ-Pass may see texts stating, “Your toll payment is overdue. Pay immediately,” or “EZ-Pass account suspended, click to reactivate.” These messages often use urgent language and come from numbers that don’t match official EZ-Pass communication channels.

Tip: Always log in to your EZ-Pass account through the official website or app to check for legitimate dues. Never click links or call numbers in texts that seem suspicious, and report fraudulent messages to EZ-Pass customer service.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams spike during the holidays. Texts may claim, “You won a $100 gift card. Verify here,” or “Confirm your gift card purchase immediately.” Red flags include requests for personal info, unusual sender numbers, or links that don’t match the retailer’s official website.

Tip: Treat such messages with skepticism. Verify any claims through the retailer’s official customer service channels, and never share codes, PINs, or personal details via text.

The holiday season should be about joy and togetherness, not falling prey to scams. Stay alert to these common scam texts, and remember that when in doubt, verify through official channels. At First Seacoast Bank, we prioritize your security with advanced fraud protection services and personalized financial guidance through the work of our Fraud Fighters team.  Whether at home or on the road, our robust e-banking services give you secure access to manage and protect your finances. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.