Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content
Business  Finance

3 scams to avoid this holiday season

October 21, 2024 • 
Michaela Leung
Sponsored by
A person with hands on a laptop with a credit card and blurred bokeh lights

While festive fun is on the way, ‘tis also the season for scams.

Photo provided by AllSouth Federal Credit Union

The holiday season brings joy and generosity, but it also invites an increase in scams. According to a 2023 study by the AARP, 80% of US consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of fraud.

To help keep you protected, AllSouth Federal Credit Union is reminding you of a few common scams to look out for:

  • Fake package deliveries
  • Fradulent gift cards
  • Fake online stores

Stay vigilant and keep your holiday spirit intact by taking precautions against scams this season.

More common scams + how to avoid them

More from COLAtoday
Christmas tree lighting Columbia SC
Play
Winter events happening in and around Columbia
Check out winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Columbia in this seasonal guide.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
Arts
Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2024, we are getting a jump on our 2025 contest.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Ted Bauer
Golden Girls NL version.png
Play
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cayce Announces $2.1 M Gift.png
City
$2 million was donated to the City of Cayce to build a new visitor’s center
The Boyd Foundation gifted the City of Cayce $2.1 million for the building of a new visitor’s center outside of the 12,000 Year History Park.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Big Apple-4891.jpg
Culture
Which locations around Columbia deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Columbia?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Lizard NL version.png
City
Strange sightings in South Carolina
From lizards the size of dogs, a Bigfoot, and dozens of monkeys, here’s what people across South Carolina are claiming to see.
November 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
The South Carolina flag
History
History of the South Carolina flag
Most of us probably don’t have our state flags memorized, but it’s worth studying up: Our flag’s design reflects centuries of history.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Dayten Rose
Tree Lighting Vista 1.png
Events
Usher in the holiday season with these 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies around the Midlands
We’ve rounded up 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies to attend that feature warm glows, festive feels, thousands of lights, and family-friendly holiday activities.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "COLAtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
MTC.png
Education
A Midlands Technical College team of six is conducting research to help NASA
This week, Midlands Technical College students conducting calcium oxalate research saw their project launch into space on Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson