Sponsored Content

3 scams to avoid this holiday season

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
The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.
Black Dog Pizza is expected to open in late January on Main Street underneath The Hendrix.
Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
For every Bradford Pear you remove from your property, Clemson and the Forestry Commission will give you a free replacement, but only while supplies last.