Beware of These Holiday Mail Scams
Hopefully, the holiday season brings joy with friends and family, generosity, and goodwill. Unfortunately, it also presents a heightened risk of scams. According to a 2022 AARP Fraud Watch Network report, three-quarters of U.S. consumers have encountered or been targeted by holiday-related fraud, including fake charity requests, online shopping scams, and deceptive messages about shipping issues.
Beware of scammers this holiday season.
As the holiday shopping season is in full swing, scammers actively seek opportunities to exploit unsuspecting people. Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, has identified some prevalent mail scams. One such scam is known as “brushing,” where recipients receive unexplained packages at their doorstep containing unordered items. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) explains that these parcels often lack a return address or sender information, except for a potential retailer. Despite appearing as a logistical mistake, these packages are usually dispatched by international third parties aiming to gain verified buyer status by obtaining addresses online.
Another scam highlighted is “smishing,” involving deceptive text messages pretending to be USPS tracking requests or package delivery notifications. These messages, named for their use of SMS text, contain links that could lead to personal information theft under the guise of “address confirmation” or solicit small payments for postage. The origin of these texts isn’t limited to USPS, as all carriers can be targets of such email scams. Typically, recipients receive messages in their inbox claiming a failed delivery attempt or requesting a small payment. The recipient is then asked to click a link, leading to a fraudulent website. The website is designed to steal personal information, passwords, or financial details.
To combat these scams, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides tips for safe gift purchases and donations. They recommend using credit cards for online transactions, as they offer additional protection and benefits, such as return and purchase protection. If unauthorized charges appear, credit cardholders can dispute them. The FTC also advises caution when donating to charities, suggesting thorough research to ensure the legitimacy of the organization before making any contributions. Additionally, if someone pressures you into making a donation over the phone, take the time to verify the charity independently.
Check out the complete list of some of the biggest mail scams here.
Top Holiday Season Stressors: Strategies for a Stress-Free Season
Navigating Those Emotions
If you’ve been through a recent traumatic event, family drama, or the loss of a loved one, the holiday season can stir up feelings of sadness, loneliness, or even grief. It’s all perfectly normal, and you don’t have to put on a happy face just because it’s the holidays. Engaging in activities you enjoy, getting some fresh air, or lending a hand through volunteering can boost your mood. Joining community events or helping others is a way to socialize and make a positive impact. When it comes to handling your feelings during the holiday season, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. has a few useful hints: stick to healthy habits, be open to help and find support when you need it, and set boundaries that make sense for you.
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Sticking To the Basics and Maintaining Routine
Putting on a few extra holiday pounds might seem like a tradition, but for some, it’s a major stress factor when trying to shed or maintain weight. Changes in your exercise and sleep routine can also add to your stress and potentially worsen other health issues. Sticking to your regular diet, exercise, and sleep schedule during the holidays can give you a sense of stability when everything else seems crazy. It can help keep your mood in check, your immune system strong, and your ability to handle stress intact. Plus, it can be a lifesaver for managing other health conditions. The Traini Counseling Group recommends taking a daily walk or simply carving out 20 minutes for yourself daily.
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Keeping It Real with Expectations
During the holiday season, many folks set crazy-high expectations on themselves and others. But you don’t have to be a perfectionist to have a fun and memorable holiday. Sure, holiday traditions can bring a warm and fuzzy feeling, and you might feel like you have to keep things exactly the same year after year. But when life throws you a curveball, it’s okay to roll with the punches. Changing up those holiday routines and traditions to match new circumstances is perfectly fine. Psychology Today suggests lowering your expectations. “By keeping expectations realistic and focusing on what’s really important to you, you may just find that your ‘good enough’ holiday turns out to be ‘pretty great’ after all,” they wrote.
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Dealing with Family and Social Pressures
The holiday season can be a bit of a stress-fest, thanks to family get-togethers and social shindigs. There’s a ton of stuff to manage, from party planning to a jam-packed social calendar, and it can all leave you feeling frazzled. One trick is to get ahead of the game by planning for those family bashes and gatherings. That can help you handle the event with less stress. And remember to factor in some downtime after these gatherings to recharge your batteries. If you know that a family visit or social event is going to trigger your anxiety, make sure you’ve got some relaxing time scheduled right afterward. Maybe head home and relax by watching your favorite movie or curling up with a book. Remember to not jam-pack your schedule with visits and events without giving yourself a break. Mayo Clinic suggests simply saying no to holiday commitments. “With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them,” they wrote. They also added that sharing your to-do list with other family members may help alleviate your stress.
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Dietary Dilemmas
Holiday festivities typically revolve around tons of grub, and some of it might not fit with your diet or allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, make sure you let your party host or caterer know in advance. Ask about what’s cooking. And if you’re hitting a potluck or buffet, try serving yourself first to avoid cross-contamination with other dishes. If you’re not sure what’s on the menu, just skip the meal. But don’t forget to eat something beforehand so you’re not starving. Holiday parties are famous for their special cocktails, which might have sneaky ingredients that mess with your allergies or sensitivities. If you’re not sure about what’s in your drink, stick to beverages you know are safe. The same goes for baked goods, which can hide all sorts of surprises.
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