Scams happen year-round, but the holiday season is prime time for criminals who will be working overtime to separate you from your cash. Here are a few common holiday scams we are seeing this season.

Online shopping scams: Criminals create professional-looking websites and ads promoting popular items at steep discounts, but what you receive may be different than advertised—if you receive anything. Be cautious of unusually low prices and avoid clicking on ads in emails, texts, or social media. For safer shopping, visit a trusted retailer’s website or app directly and pay with a credit card for added protection.

Delivery scams: As holiday packages crisscross the country, scammers send out phishing emails and texts that appear to be from UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service, notifying recipients about incoming or missed deliveries. Links lead to fake sign-in pages that request personal information, or to sites that may be infected with malware.

Opt in to delivery alerts to track your package and receive exact arrival times for your items. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted person to pick it up, or instruct the delivery person to place it out of sight. Consider requesting a signature upon delivery to ensure your package is handed directly to the intended recipient. You can also use alternative pickup options, such as ship-to-store or secure locations offered by major retailers and delivery services.

Gift card scams: Criminals steal gift cards in bulk from store racks, collect the information from the cards, and return them to the racks for unsuspecting buyers. When the gift card is bought, criminals immediately drain the money. It is safer to buy cards that are kept behind the counter or directly from the retailer’s site.

Airline Call Center Scams: With the holiday travel season fast approaching, scammers are poised to capitalize on travelers who need help with last-minute flight changes and cancellations. To avoid this risk, download your airline’s official app. In addition to providing the airline’s verified 800 number, the app delivers real-time flight notifications and other important updates. Be on the lookout for red flags, such as aggressive tactics pushing you to buy a ticket immediately because “the price will go up.” And if your flight is canceled, you usually do not need to pay to be rebooked. Any “agent” requesting a credit card to do so is likely after your money, not your flight.

Spot Fake Charity Donation Scams: Common signs of a charity scam include requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as high-pressure demands to make an immediate donation. To help ensure your donation reaches those who truly need it, do your research. Check organizations on sites such as Give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org to confirm legitimacy and determine how much of the funds are used to serve its stated mission versus overhead and fundraising expenses.

Pay close attention to the charity’s name and web address, as criminals often mimic the names of familiar, trusted organizations to deceive donors. Also, be cautious of links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages, which can lead to fake donation websites and expose your device to malware. When you do donate, use a credit card. It’s easier to track your contribution, and if your card is misused, you have protection against loss.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with one of our fraud specialists about next steps.

Tom Lacock is the Associate State Director at AARP Wyoming and can be reached at tlacock@aarp.org.