Beware: Scam Texts Increase During the Holidays
Scam text messages have become so common that most of us will see one, at home, at work, or on a personal device we use for both. The risk grows even more around holidays like Christmas and Hannukah, when people are distracted, shopping more, and expecting delivery and charity messages. Scammers know this and ramp up their efforts.
A key rule: Legitimate organizations rarely create panic by text, even during busy seasons. Be suspicious of messages claiming “urgent action required,” threats of account closure, fake delivery delay notices, tax problems, or holiday prizes you “must claim now.” At this time of year, you may see fake tracking texts, bogus “failed delivery” notices, or messages about exclusive holiday sales. Scammers rely on your emotions - stress, excitement, or time pressure - to make you tap before thinking.
Always look carefully at who sent the message: Random phone numbers, strange email-style senders, or slightly misspelled brand names are red flags. Don’t trust the display name alone; it can be spoofed. Instead of tapping any link in a text, especially one about an online order, sale, or charity, go directly to the official website or app yourself.
Scam texts often include:
Shortened or odd-looking URLs.
Requests for passwords, one-time codes, or banking details.
Pressure to donate quickly to a “holiday charity.”
Instructions to download apps or attachments.
Legitimate companies won’t ask you to send passwords, full card numbers, or two-factor codes by text.
At home, protect yourself by:
Blocking and reporting suspicious numbers.
Turning on spam and scam filters from your carrier or phone settings.
Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts.
Talking with family members—especially older relatives—about holiday-themed scams
For a company, the impact can be much greater. Around year-end, fraudsters often send fake HR, bonuses, or gift-card texts.
At work, protect your organization by:
Verifying any finance, HR, or IT request through a known channel.
Immediately reporting suspicious texts to IT or Security.
Avoiding personal messaging apps for sensitive business info.
Most importantly, take a moment to remember:
Even in the holiday rush, a brief pause to verify, or simply delete, can be the difference between staying safe and getting scammed.
Contact the GCG team today to learn more for a stress-free holiday!