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Holiday season

Holiday deals?Check first.

Holiday scams hide in gift-card demands, surprise delivery texts and urgent charity asks. Slow down. A real business will wait while you check.

  • 2-minute lesson
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  1. 1Why it matters

    An ordinary interruption

    You receive a message saying a classroom supply delivery is held until you scan a QR code and sign in. The logo looks familiar and the sender knows the school name. Those details do not establish who sent it. A QR code is simply another way to open a link; the destination may not be visible until your device previews it. Stop before entering a password, payment information or a verification code.

    Make a plan for difficult messages

    Agree on what to do with an upsetting or threatening message: stop responding, seek trusted help, and use the school or platform reporting process as appropriate. Avoid circulating private material. Verify urgent claims by contacting the person through an existing trusted channel rather than a number in the message. If someone faces an immediate safety emergency, use the appropriate emergency services.

  2. 2Do this

    • Gift cards are gifts

      Anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer. No real business or agency asks for that.

    • Track it yourself

      Surprise delivery text? Don't tap the link. Check the store or carrier site you already know.

    • Give and buy wisely

      Research charities and sellers first. Pay by credit card, never by gift card or wire transfer.

    Red flags
    • Pay with gift cards
    • “Your package is held”
    • “Donate right now”
    • Wire or crypto only

    Already paid? Contact the gift card company right away. Keep the card and receipt, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  3. 3Quick check

    What does a familiar logo beside a QR code establish?
    How can you check an urgent message claiming to be from a relative?

    Choose an answer for each question.

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Full course: Pause before the link: messages, QR codes and urgent requests · 10 min

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