Easter brings with it a season of joy, celebration, and, for many, online shopping. Whether it’s buying gifts for loved ones, booking holiday getaways, or hunting for Easter deals, the internet becomes a buzzing marketplace. But amid the festive spirit, scammers are lurking—ready to exploit distracted consumers with cunning financial scams.
To keep your finances secure and your Easter stress-free, here are some common Easter financial scams you need to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Fake Easter Sales & Discount Emails
Scammers often mimic popular online stores, sending emails that advertise unbelievable Easter discounts on everything from gadgets to clothes. These emails typically contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal or banking details.
How to stay safe:
Check the sender’s email address—if it looks suspicious, avoid clicking.
Hover over links to see the actual destination URL.
Shop only on trusted, verified websites—look for “https” in the address bar.
2. Phishing Texts & Messages
You might receive SMS messages or WhatsApp texts saying you’ve won an Easter hamper, coupon, or voucher from a major retailer. These messages often contain malicious links asking you to “claim your prize” by entering personal info.
How to stay safe:
Never share sensitive information via text.
Legitimate companies rarely run prize giveaways without some form of prior engagement.
When in doubt, contact the retailer directly through their official website.
3. Fake Charity Appeals
During festive seasons, many people feel inclined to donate to good causes. Scammers take advantage of this generosity by setting up fake Easter-themed charity pages or social media fundraisers.
How to stay safe:
Verify the legitimacy of the charity through trusted platforms like GuideStar or Charity Navigator.
Be wary of emotional stories with no verifiable information.
Avoid making donations through links shared via unsolicited emails or messages.
4. Easter Travel Scams
Planning an Easter getaway? Fraudulent travel websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals often spike during this season. These sites may take your payment and disappear—or provide fake booking confirmations.
How to stay safe:
Use well-known travel booking platforms.
Double-check hotel or airline details through official websites.
Pay with credit cards, which offer better fraud protection.
5. Social Media Giveaway Scams
Social media is full of Easter contests and giveaways. Some are legitimate, but many are phishing traps that require you to click a link or fill in your details—leading to identity theft or malware.
How to stay safe:
Research the account offering the giveaway—check for verification, reviews, and post history.
Avoid sharing personal information publicly.
Be skeptical of giveaways that ask for payment to claim a “free” prize.
Final Tips to Stay Secure This Easter
Update your antivirus software. Keep your devices protected from malware.
Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
Monitor your bank statements. Regularly check for unauthorized transactions.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Conclusion
Easter is a time to relax, celebrate, and spend quality moments with family—not to fall victim to financial scams. By staying alert and cautious while shopping or browsing online, you can protect your money and your peace of mind.
Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy a scam-free Easter!
