Super scary Halloween scams

October brings the excitement of Halloween — costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But beware of Halloween scams! From fake merchandise to phishing scams, these horrors are designed to exploit the unwary. In this blog post, I’m unmasking some common Halloween scams. I’ve also got some tried-and-true tips to help you stay safe during this haunting holiday season.

5 super scary Halloween scams

1. The Shipping Scam: In this scam, fraudsters may claim to offer special Halloween-related shipping deals or discounts. They might ask for upfront payment but fail to deliver the promised goods or services.
2. The Fraudulent Offer: This involves scammers creating fake offers or deals related to Halloween merchandise, enticing you to part with your money without receiving anything in return.
3. The Fake Ticket Scam: Fraudsters sell counterfeit tickets for popular Halloween events. Unsuspecting buyers discover they’ve been scammed when they’re denied entry at the event.
4. The Bogus Purchase Scam: This scam targets online shoppers looking for Halloween costumes, decorations, or other items. Scammers set up fake websites featuring attractive Halloween sales, tricking buyers into making purchases that never arrive.
5. Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals often use the Halloween theme to send phishing emails or messages, hoping to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

5 tips to avoid the scams

These tried-and-true tips have been around the block a few times, but as the ghouls and goblins come out to play this Halloween, you’ll want to ensure that the only chills you get are from the festivities, not from falling victim to a scam. To help you make sure your Halloween is filled with treats, not tricks, I’ve got five crucial steps to dodge these scary Halloween scams.

1. Do Your Research: Before buying Halloween merchandise online, take the time to research the seller and the product. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check reviews and ratings for both the product and the seller.
2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Emails: Phishing scams often come in the form of unsolicited emails. Never click on links or download attachments from an email you weren’t expecting. If you receive an email from a company, it’s always safer to visit the company’s website directly rather than clicking on an email link.
3. Secure Payment Methods: Always use a secure payment method when shopping online. I’m a fan of using credit cards because they offer the highest protection against fraud. Whether you choose to use a debit or credit card, never use direct bank transfers, money orders, gift cards, or wire transfers.
4. Check Event Authenticity: If you’re buying tickets to a Halloween event, confirm it’s legitimate. Check the venue’s website and search for reviews or news about the event.
5. Keep Personal Information Private: Scammers may try to trick you into giving away personal information. Never give out your social security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information unless you’re on a secure, trusted website. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be cautious and keep your information to yourself.

As Halloween approaches, let’s make sure it’s a time of fun and scares, not fraud. Follow these steps to enjoy the holiday while staying safe. Awareness is key to defending against scams, so stay informed and vigilant, and don’t let tricksters ruin your Halloween. For more tips on protecting yourself from scams, sign up for my monthly newsletter, The Snitch. Don’t let scams spook you — empower yourself with knowledge and have a secure Halloween!