The holiday season brings the excitement of traveling, shopping and preparing for celebration. Unfortunately, it is also a time when theft, scams and fraud attempts increase.
With more people on the move, packages on doorsteps and shopping online, staying alert is essential. The Financial Crimes Prevention and Operations team at TD Bank offers important tips to help keep the holiday season safe and stress-free whether shopping on Cyber Monday or heading to a local holiday market.
Avoiding Online Scams and Phishing Schemes
These tools can be helpful but also come with risks, as McAfee's research showed nearly half of Americans already have interacted with an AI-powered scam.
Phishing emails and texts also can mimic real merchants. Using urgent language, fake order confirmations or shipment notifications, they aim to collect personal information like passwords and credit card numbers.
Here are several ways to combat online scams this season:
- Be skeptical of deals that seem “too good to be true."
- Research unfamiliar merchants before making any purchases.
- Shop only with trusted sites or merchants you have used before.
- Avoid clicking on or shopping through pop-up ads and keep your payment information protected.
- Watch for fake messages about order issues or shipment alerts.
- If you receive a transaction alert or notification that looks off, verify it through official channels.
- While TD Bank or another card issuer may reach out to confirm suspicious transactions with fraud alerts, the bank will never ask for personal information such as one-time passcodes, passwords or card details over the phone or via text message. When in doubt, directly contact the number on the back of the card to confirm any claims of fraud or suspicious transactions.
Protecting Your Packages and Deliveries
TD's Merry Money Survey showed that 73% of gift givers will shop with Amazon and 60% will use retailers’ or other third-party websites to make purchases this season. Delivery theft becomes more common as package volumes increase during the holidays. These steps can help reduce risk:
- When scheduling a delivery, select options that require a signature or identification if available.
- Provide a shipping address where a person will be home for the delivery.
- Consider placing insurance on high‐value packages.
- Provide specific instructions to the shipper for where to place deliveries (e.g., back door, with a neighbor, in the lobby, etc.)
- Use alternative, secure options such as lockboxes or retail pick-up locations that prevent packages from being left unattended. Visit a courier's website to see what options are available.
Staying Safe While Shopping or Traveling
Be intentional with your belongings and surroundings.
- Secure bags and valuables before exiting or entering parked vehicles, using public transit and navigating crowds.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and avoid leaving valuables or packages inside. If that is not possible, place items out of sight prior to arriving at your destination.
- Use ATMs in well-lit and populated areas.
- Carry only the cash and credit cards you will use during your outing. Spread out cash across your bag, pockets and/or wallet. Keep a record of account numbers for each card in a secure location for easy access in case it is stolen or lost.
- Know the fraud protections available on your credit card by checking the issuer’s terms and conditions. Familiarize yourself with the best way to freeze your credit card in the event of a loss or theft.
- Keep your purse close to your body but never wrap the strap around your body. Carry wallets in your front pockets or jacket breast pockets.
- Check your belongings if someone bumps into you while shopping or walking in a crowd. This is a common distraction tactic used by pickpockets.
- Avoid leaving your purse or bag in easily accessible areas, such as on the back of a chair or in strollers or shopping carts.
Remaining a Step Ahead
Being prepared is the best defense. Whether you are navigating busy stores, shopping online or tracking packages, these small steps can make a meaningful difference in helping you navigate the holiday season and its risks with confidence.
We hope you found this helpful. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of November 2025 and is subject to change. This content is not intended to be used or acted upon with respect to any client's specific circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with your qualified professionals.
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