Every Christmas, people talk about peace, joy, giving, gratitude… all the good stuff.

Meanwhile, the criminals are rubbing their hands together like it’s their holiday.

Because for them? It is.

The truth is simple and uncomfortable:
The holiday season is the Super Bowl for scammers, thieves, and every flavor of dirtbag who preys on distraction, kindness, stress, and chaos.

Every year, too many good people get burned — financially, emotionally, sometimes even physically — because they weren’t paying attention or didn’t know what to look for.

So let’s fix that.

Here’s the no-BS, real-world guide to keeping yourself and your family safe this Christmas — written by someone who’s spent 30+ years staring into the ugly parts of the cyber and physical world.

NOTE: The tips covered in this post are basic life skills that you should ALWAYS practice. Although it’s holiday season, you should NOT let your guard down the rest of the year.

1. Criminals Count on You Being Distracted — Don’t Give Them That Advantage

The holidays are busy. You’re shopping, traveling, hosting, baking, wrapping, juggling kids, flights, emotions, relatives… all of it.

Scammers LOVE this.

Distraction is their oxygen.

The less present you are, the easier you are to fool.
So rule #1:

Slow down. Pay attention. Be intentional with everything involving your money, your tech, or your personal information.

If something feels rushed or pressured, that’s your first red flag.

2. Watch Out for Fake Shipping Notices, Fake Charities, and Fake Deals

Every December, inboxes turn into a minefield.

• “Your package couldn’t be delivered.”
• “Verify your address or your account will be closed.”
• “Donation needed for emergency Christmas relief.”
• “Unbelievable deal! 90% off everything!”

None of these people are Santa.
Most of them aren’t even close.

Here’s the truth:

If you didn’t expect it, don’t click it.
If it looks too good to be true, it is.
If it makes you emotional, step back. Emotion is how scammers bypass your brain.

Go to the official website manually.
Call the real number.
Check the actual tracking information.
Verify before you trust.

This one habit alone would save millions of people every year.

3. Don’t Let “Holiday Generosity” Make You Vulnerable

You’re in a giving mood. That’s a beautiful thing — and scammers count on it.

Criminals exploit generosity more than anything else during the holidays.

A simple rule:

Give through channels you already trust — not through messages from strangers on social media, emails, QR codes taped to doors, random GoFundMes, or a “pastor” you’ve never heard of sending you a DM.

If someone pressures you to give right now, or says “Don’t tell anyone,” that’s not charity — that’s manipulation.

Your heart is a strength. Don’t let anyone weaponize it against you.

4. Don’t Post Your Entire Life on Social Media

Announcing every detail of your holiday plans online is like posting a big neon sign:

“Hey criminals! We’re out of town from the 23rd to the 28th. House is empty. Come on in!”

You don’t need to share everything in real time.
You don’t need to post your boarding pass.
You don’t need to tell the world your house will be empty.

Share the memories after you get home.

Trust me — your future self will thank you.

5. Protect Your Home Like Someone Is Watching

Because someone probably is.

Criminals love holidays because:

• people leave town
• houses fill with gifts
• deliveries pile up
• neighbors stop paying attention

You don’t need to turn your house into Fort Knox.
Just make it too annoying for criminals to pick you.

Smart lighting, timers, cameras, motion sensors, and a neighbor you trust go a long way.

And for the love of sanity:

Don’t leave boxes from expensive items sitting by the trash. You might as well gift-wrap an invitation for thieves.

6. Be Smart With ATMs and Card Readers

The holidays bring out more:

• skimmers
• fake card readers
• tampered ATMs
• “pay-at-the-table” scams
• tap-to-pay spoofs

If an ATM looks off, don’t use it.
If a credit card reader looks loose, don’t swipe.
If someone insists on taking your card out of sight, don’t let them.

Use tap-to-pay from your phone when you can — it’s safer than the physical card.

And keep an eye on your transactions daily this month.
Yes, daily. Three minutes of awareness can save you months of hell.

7. Never Buy From a Website That Doesn’t Pass the 5-Second Test

Five seconds is all it takes to spot a scam:

• Does the URL look weird?
• Does the site look thrown together?
• Are the prices ridiculously low?
• Are the reviews too perfect or obviously fake?
• Does something feel “off”?

If your gut says “hmm,” walk away.
Your gut is smarter than you think.

8. Teach Your Kids and Older Relatives the Basics

Kids are trusting.
Older adults grew up in a world where people weren’t constantly trying to fleece them.

Both groups are prime targets.

Have the conversations.
Set up protections.
Explain the tricks.

And remind everyone that:

No legitimate company, bank, or government agency is going to text or call asking for your password, verification code, or Social Security number.

Ever.

9. Don’t Ignore Your Instincts — That’s Your Built-In Security System

If something feels wrong…
If something feels rushed…
If someone’s story doesn’t quite add up…
If your body tenses before your brain even catches up…

Listen to that.

The older I get, the more I realize this:
Your instincts aren’t random. They’re data. Use them.

10. The Most Important Rule: Trust Slowly, Verify Always

Criminals thrive on blind trust.
But trust doesn’t have to disappear — it just needs to be earned.

This Christmas, protect your:

• money
• identity
• home
• family
• devices
• heart

Don’t let fraudsters turn your generosity, distraction, or stress against you.

Be present.
Be cautious.
Be wise.

And remember…

Good people deserve good holidays.
Criminals don’t get to decide how yours goes.

Stay aware.
Stay authentic.
Stay safe.