Holiday Season Scams: How to Protect Your Business and Loved Ones

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and giving—but unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scams. From phishing emails targeting businesses to phone and online fraud aimed at seniors, scammers know that the end of the year is busy and stressful.



At Number Crunching Inc, we want to help San Diego businesses and families stay safe this November and beyond. Here’s how to protect your company, employees, and loved ones from seasonal fraud.

1. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Phishing scams spike during the holidays. Fraudsters often disguise emails, text messages, or calls as:

• Shipping notifications from major carriers
  
  
• Holiday promotions or deals
  
  
• Requests for “urgent” payments or financial verification
  
  

Tips to protect yourself:

• Verify the sender before clicking links or downloading attachments
  
  
• Never provide passwords, account numbers, or sensitive data via email or phone
  
  
• Train employees to recognize common phishing red flags
  
  

Businesses that fall for these scams can face financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage.

2. Protect Your Online Transactions

Holiday shopping means an increase in online transactions, which also increases risk:

• Use secure, reputable payment gateways
  
  
• Monitor your accounts for unusual transactions
  
  
• Encourage family members, especially seniors, to shop on trusted websites only
  
  

Educate employees and loved ones to avoid deals that seem too good to be true—they often are.

3. Guard Against Phone and SMS Scams

Elder fraud often comes via phone calls or text messages. Common tactics include:

• Impersonating the IRS, banks, or utility companies
  
  
• Claiming family members are in trouble and requesting payment
  
  
• Offering “holiday prize winnings” that require upfront payment
  
  

Preventative steps:

• Verify claims by calling official numbers directly
  
  
• Encourage seniors to ask for written confirmation before sending money
  
  
• Educate family members about these common scam
  

4. Secure Your Business Finances

For businesses, holiday season fraud isn’t just online—it can also be in person:

• Fake invoices or vendors
  
  
• Overpayment scams
  
  
• Unauthorized access to payment systems
  
  

Best practices:

• Double-check invoices before paying
  
  
• Implement two-step verification for financial transactions
  
  
• Keep accounting and IT systems up-to-date and secure
  
  

A strong internal process can prevent costly holiday fraud.

5. Encourage Family Conversations About Scams

Open communication is key. Talk with elderly relatives about how to identify scams and what to do if they receive suspicious messages or calls. Share tips for safe online shopping and advise them to reach out to family before making any unusual payments.

6. Monitor Your Accounts Closely

During the holiday season, keep an eye on your financial statements. Regular monitoring can catch fraudulent activity early, whether for a business or a personal account.

• Set up alerts for large transactions
  
  
• Review monthly statements promptly
  
  
• Report suspicious activity immediately
  
  

Early detection is often the difference between a minor issue and a major loss.

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert This Holiday Season

Scammers take advantage of the holiday rush, but preparation and awareness go a long way. By educating employees, family members, and yourself, you can reduce risk and enjoy a safer season.

Number Crunching Inc helps San Diego businesses and families implement strong financial safeguards year-round. Stay vigilant, double-check sources, and don’t let fraudsters ruin the holidays.