You order a Halloween costume online, and a few days later, you get a text saying there's a problem with your delivery. The message includes a link to update your address before the package can be delivered.
It seems reasonable enough, because you're expecting a package, and you want it to arrive on time.
But before you click, there's something worth considering: Is that message truly from the delivery company?
Scammers often use familiar situations to make fraudulent messages and offers seem legitimate. As Halloween approaches, online shopping, seasonal events, and donation requests give them more opportunities to reach people.
The good news is that you don't need to recognize every possible scam to protect yourself. Knowing a few common warning signs and taking time to verify unexpected requests can make a meaningful difference.
Here are some Halloween scams to avoid, what to watch for, and what to do if something doesn't seem right.
Seasonal Scams to Watch For
Most seasonal scams aren't entirely new. They're familiar fraud tactics disguised as something relevant to the time of year.
Understanding how they work can help you recognize similar attempts during Halloween and throughout the holiday season.
Fake Charity and Donation Requests
Halloween often brings community fundraisers, school events, and charitable activities. Unfortunately, scammers may take advantage of people's willingness to give.
You might receive a text asking for donations to a local cause, see a social media fundraiser, or get a call from someone claiming to represent a charity.
Before donating, take a moment to verify the organization.
Look up the charity independently, review its official website, and make sure you're using a legitimate donation method. If someone contacts you unexpectedly, avoid using the payment link they provide until you've confirmed where your money is going.
A legitimate charitable cause shouldn't require you to make a donation before you've had a chance to ask questions.
Online Shopping and Costume Scams
Whether you're ordering costumes, decorations, or supplies for a Halloween party, it's easy to come across unfamiliar online retailers.
Some fraudulent websites advertise popular products at unusually low prices, collect payment information, and never deliver the items. Others may send products that look nothing like what was advertised.
Before purchasing from a retailer you don't recognize, check for independent reviews, clear contact information, and a reasonable return policy.
Be particularly careful with advertisements that create urgency through unusually large discounts or limited-time offers.
A low price isn't automatically a scam, but it's worth investigating before entering your payment information.
Package Delivery Text and Email Scams
Package delivery scams can be especially convincing when you're already waiting for something to arrive.
A message might say:
-
Your package couldn't be delivered.
-
Your address needs to be confirmed.
-
You owe a small redelivery fee.
-
Your shipment will be returned unless you respond.
The message usually includes a link directing you to a website that may look like a legitimate delivery service.
Rather than following that link, check your order confirmation or enter the tracking number directly on the delivery company's official website.
Don't use an unexpected message to verify the message itself. Go directly to the company using contact information you already trust.
Fake Event Ticket Offers (Haunted Houses, Festivals, Concerts)
Haunted houses, fall festivals, concerts, and other seasonal events can sell out quickly. Scammers may advertise tickets that don't exist or offer supposedly discounted admission through unofficial websites and social media accounts.
If you're purchasing tickets, start with the event organizer's official website and follow its authorized ticketing links.
Be cautious if an unfamiliar seller asks you to pay through a personal payment account, gift card, or another method that offers limited purchase protection.
If an event is sold out, don't assume a social media post offering last-minute tickets is legitimate.
Social Media Giveaways and Gift Card Scams
You may see a post claiming you've won a Halloween giveaway, a store gift card, or free tickets to a local event.
However, there’s a catch: you need to click a link, provide your banking information, or pay a small fee to claim the prize.
Some scammers even create accounts that closely resemble legitimate businesses to make these offers more believable.
If you didn't enter a giveaway, be especially skeptical of a message saying you've won.
Also remember that a prize shouldn't require you to share your online banking credentials or verification codes.
Red Flags of a Scam
Scams can look different, but many rely on the same approach: convince you to act before you've had time to think.
Learning how to spot a scam often comes down to recognizing these recurring warning signs.
Pressure to Act Right Now
A message says your account will be locked, your package will be returned, or an offer will expire in minutes.
That urgency is intentional.
Scammers know people are more likely to overlook warning signs when they're worried about losing money, missing a delivery, or having an account restricted.
If a message demands immediate action, slow down and verify the situation independently.
Requests for Payment by Gift Card, Wire, or Crypto
Be cautious when someone unexpectedly insists that you pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or another payment method that's difficult to reverse.
These methods can be legitimate in appropriate circumstances, but they're also attractive to scammers because recovering money may be difficult.
The payment method should make sense for the purchase or organization you're dealing with.
Suspicious Links and Requests for Personal or Account Information
Unexpected links, attachments, and requests for sensitive information deserve a closer look.
Be especially careful if someone asks you to provide your bank account details, online banking password, Social Security number, or a one-time verification code.
Even if a message appears to come from a familiar company, that doesn't guarantee it's legitimate. Scammers can imitate business names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
A useful question to ask is: Did I initiate this conversation, or did someone unexpectedly contact me asking for information or money?
If you're unsure, contact the business directly through a trusted phone number or website.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
You don't have to stop shopping online, attending events, or supporting charities to avoid fraud.
A few consistent habits can help protect your personal information and financial accounts throughout the year.
Check Your Accounts Regularly
One of the simplest ways to identify suspicious activity is to know what's normal for your accounts.
Review your recent transactions regularly rather than waiting until your monthly statement arrives.
Look for purchases you don't recognize, including small charges. An unfamiliar transaction doesn't always mean fraud, but it's worth checking.
First Western Bank customers can use online and mobile banking to review account balances and recent activity whenever it's convenient.
Turn On Account Alerts and Two-Factor Authentication
When available, account alerts can help you stay informed about activity that needs your attention.
Multi-factor authentication, sometimes called two-factor authentication, adds another step to the login process. Even if someone obtains your password, that additional verification can make unauthorized access more difficult.
If you receive a login approval request or verification code you didn't initiate, don't approve it or share the code with anyone.
It's also important to use a strong, unique password for your banking account rather than reusing one from another website.
Verify Before You Click or Pay
Whether it's a delivery notification, charity request, event ticket offer, or message about your bank account, get into the habit of verifying unexpected requests.
You can do that by opening the company's official app, typing its website into your browser, or calling a number you've independently confirmed.
You don't have to resolve a problem through the same message or phone call that first alerted you to it.
Talk to Kids and Older Relatives About Scams
Scammers target people of all ages, and the methods they use can vary.
Children and teens may encounter fake giveaways, gaming-related offers, or suspicious social media messages. Other family members may receive fraudulent phone calls, donation requests, or messages claiming there's a problem with an account.
Having a conversation about these situations can help everyone recognize when something doesn't seem right.
Encourage family members to ask questions before sharing information or sending money, especially when someone is pressuring them to act quickly.
Use Secure Payment Methods for Online Shopping
When shopping online, use reputable retailers and payment methods that offer appropriate fraud protections.
Credit cards, for example, generally provide dispute protections for unauthorized transactions, although the specific protections and procedures depend on the circumstances.
Avoid sending money directly to unfamiliar sellers when you haven't verified the business or transaction.
Remember that a secure-looking website alone doesn't prove a business is legitimate. It's still important to check who you're purchasing from.
What to Do If You've Been Targeted
Even careful people can encounter convincing scams.
What matters next is understanding what happened and taking action promptly.
Contact Your Bank Right Away
If you notice an unauthorized transaction, shared financial information with a suspicious person, or believe someone may have access to your account, contact your bank as soon as possible.
Explain what happened, including whether you clicked a link, entered account information, shared a verification code, or sent money.
Your bank can help you understand what steps may be needed to protect your account, report unauthorized activity, or address a compromised card.
You don't have to wait until money is missing to ask your bank about something suspicious.
Change Your Passwords and Secure Your Accounts
If you entered a password on a suspicious website or believe someone has accessed an account, change the affected password through the legitimate website or app.
If you've used that same password elsewhere, update those accounts too.
Review your account settings for unfamiliar changes, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever it's available.
If you suspect your device has been compromised, avoid using it for sensitive account activity until you've addressed the security concern.
Report the Scam
Reporting fraud can help authorities identify patterns and may help prevent others from being targeted.
Depending on the situation, you can report suspected scams to:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
-
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov for internet-related crimes
-
The company being impersonated: Use its official website or customer service contact information.
Keep copies of suspicious messages, transaction details, and any other information that may be helpful when reporting what happened.
Monitor Your Credit After a Scam
If you shared sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, you may need to take additional steps to protect your identity.
Consider reviewing your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You can request your reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
A credit freeze may also be appropriate if you're concerned someone could attempt to open new accounts using your information.
For guidance on identity theft recovery, visit IdentityTheft.gov.
A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
Halloween may bring more seasonal shopping, events, and unexpected messages, but the habits that help you avoid scams in October are useful all year long.
Before clicking a link, making an unfamiliar payment, or sharing personal information, take a moment to confirm who you're dealing with.
If something seems unusual, it's worth checking.
If a message or transaction involving your First Western Bank account doesn't look right, contact us directly. Our team can help you understand the next steps and address concerns about your account.