As the festive season reaches its peak with travel, shopping, and the famous Detty December celebrations, a less welcome trend is also on the rise. Financial services giant Visa has issued a crucial alert, outlining the most prevalent holiday scams currently targeting Nigerians and providing essential guidance on how to stay protected.
Top 5 Festive Season Scams to Watch For
The period from mid-December through the holidays is a peak season for fraudulent activity. Scammers exploit the increased spending, travel, and charitable spirit to steal money and personal data. Being aware of their tactics is the first line of defence.
1. Fake Online Shopping Deals and Websites
Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp become hunting grounds for fraudsters offering unbelievable discounts. These "too-good-to-be-true" deals on smartphones, clothing, electronics, and holiday hampers are designed to lure victims. Scammers create sophisticated fake websites or social media pages that mimic legitimate vendors. Once payment is made, the seller vanishes or sends counterfeit or inferior goods.
Safety Tips:
- Purchase only from trusted online stores and verified vendors with a proven track record.
- Double-check website URLs and social media handles for slight misspellings or irregularities.
- Be highly suspicious of high-pressure sales tactics, such as claims that an item is the "last one left."
2. Fraudulent Delivery and Courier Messages
With online orders soaring, a common ploy involves SMS or WhatsApp messages pretending to be from courier companies like DHL, FedEx, or local services. The message, often stating "You have a package. Click here to track delivery," contains a malicious link. This link leads to a phishing website engineered to harvest your credit card details, personal information, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
Safety Tips:
- Never click on links from unknown or suspicious phone numbers.
- If you are expecting a delivery, contact the courier company directly using official contact details from their legitimate website.
- Never share your card details or OTP via text message or phone call.
3. "Extra Holiday Cash" and Fake Investment Schemes
Promises of quick, extravagant returns prey on the desire for extra festive funds. Messages like "Turn ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 before Christmas" circulate on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels. These scams promote fake investment platforms, giveaways, or side hustles that are essentially Ponzi schemes, often requiring victims to recruit others.
Safety Tips:
- Remember: there is no such thing as guaranteed, quick money.
- Avoid any scheme that pressures you to recruit friends and family to make a return.
- Conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing any money with an individual or company.
4. Travel and Accommodation Fraud
Scammers set up fake travel agency websites or pose as agents on social media, offering deeply discounted flights, hotel bookings, and holiday packages. Victims often only discover the fraud upon arrival at the airport or hotel, where no booking exists, leaving them stranded and out of pocket.
Safety Tips:
- Book flights and hotels through trusted, well-known platforms or directly with the airline or hotel.
- Always confirm your bookings directly with the airline or hotel using their official customer service channels.
- Be extremely cautious of deals that demand full payment upfront without providing proper receipts or confirmation details.
5. Fake Charity and Donation Appeals
Exploiting the season of giving, criminals create fake charity pages and emotional donation requests, often using heart-wrenching stories. These appeals, such as "Help the less privileged this Christmas," are shared widely on social media, diverting funds meant for genuine causes.
Safety Tips:
- Donate only through recognised, established charitable organisations.
- Research a charity's credentials before making any contribution.
- Be wary of appeals that use excessive emotional pressure or urge for immediate, rushed donations.
The Golden Rule for Holiday Safety
Visa emphasises one non-negotiable rule: you must never share your card details or OTP with anyone, under any circumstances. No legitimate bank, courier company, or organisation will ever ask for this sensitive information via phone call, text, or email. If you encounter a suspicious offer or message, the best course of action is to pause, check with official sources, and confirm before taking any action. Staying alert is the key to enjoying a safe and joyful festive season.
