Keep the Cheer, Skip the Scams: Holiday Safety Tips for Coloradans 

The holidays bring joy, connection, and generosity—but they’re also one of the busiest times of year for scammers. As Coloradans shop online, travel, and donate to good causes, fraudsters are finding new ways to sneak into inboxes, text messages, and even social media feeds. From fake package alerts to phony charity appeals, these scams can turn a joyful season into a stressful one.

One of the most common holiday scams involves fake delivery or tracking messages. You might get a text or email saying there is a problem with or package or asking you to click a link to reschedule delivery. These links often lead to fraudulent websites that steal your personal information or install malware on your device. To stay safe, always track shipments directly through the official website of the delivery service, like USPS, UPS, or FedEx, and never click on links from unfamiliar senders.

Another popular trick this time of year is online shopping fraud. Scammers create look-alike websites or social media ads offering deals that seem too good to be true. Once you place an order, the item never arrives, or you receive a cheap imitation. Before you buy, check that the website URL starts with “https,” read reviews from multiple sources, and confirm there’s a legitimate customer service contact. Using a credit card (not a debit card or wire transfer) also adds an extra layer of protection in case of fraud.

Be cautious, too, with charitable donations. During the holidays, many people feel inspired to give, and scammers know it. Always verify that a nonprofit is real before donating, especially if the request comes by phone, text, or social media. You can check an organization’s legitimacy through trusted sites like the Colorado Secretary of State’s charity database or Charity Navigator.

Finally, remember: legitimate companies will never ask you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone pressures you to act immediately, that’s a red flag, take a step back, hang up, and verify the source.

By slowing down, double-checking messages, and shopping and giving through secure channels, you can keep your holidays merry, bright, and scam-free. A few extra seconds of caution can save a lot of stress.

1. Know your vulnerabilities Be self-aware when you are eager to find what you want or need or when you might be too eager to help a friend or loved one in distress.
2. Resist the temptation to suspend your suspicion If it’s too good – or too outrageous – to be true, it probably is.
3. Be aware of pressure to act, whether to act quickly or submit any unusual payment, such as Zelle or gift cards.