The holiday season is around the corner, and while it's a time for celebrations and connection, it can also be a time of unexpected challenges for many small business owners.

Last year, I got a call from a frantic client who’d just lost access to their social media account. They had clicked on what seemed like a harmless holiday giveaway link, only to find themselves locked out, their followers bombarded with scam promotions, and their trust shaken.

Sadly, they’re not alone—every year, I see entrepreneurs fall victim to scams during the holidays. It’s a frustrating, sometimes costly experience that no one should face.

With over 10 years of experience as a social media consultant, I’m here to help you enjoy the season without falling into these traps. Below are my top tips for keeping your social media accounts secure, protecting both your business and your peace of mind.

Why Scammers Love the Holidays—and How to Stop Holiday Phishing Risks

For scammers, the holiday season truly is “the most wonderful time of the year.” The surge in online shopping, holiday contests, and seasonal travel creates the perfect conditions for phishing attacks.

Unfortunately, these threats hit small businesses and solo entrepreneurs especially hard, putting their finances and reputations on the line.

So why are holiday scams so rampant, and what can you do to protect yourself and your business? Here’s everything you need to know about holiday phishing risks—and 10 practical tips to keep you safe on Social Media during the holidays.

Why the Holidays Are Prime Time for Phishing Scams

The holiday season creates a “perfect storm” for scammers for several reasons:

Increase in Online Shopping: With an estimated 63% of holiday purchases made online, scammers have ample opportunities to create fake order confirmations, receipts, and phishing sites.
Eager Shoppers Looking for Deals: With so many bargains, it’s easy to get lured into “too-good-to-be-true” deals, often leading to fake offers and impersonation scams.
Higher Volume of Communications: The influx of holiday emails and texts, from promotions to order confirmations, makes it easier for phishing messages to slip through unnoticed.

10 Ways to Protect Your Social Media Accounts

1. Strengthen Your Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for each social media account and update them regularly. Consider a password manager to keep track.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add a layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a phone code, for login. Enable 2FA on all social media accounts.

3. Be Wary of Holiday Giveaways

Stick to giveaways from reputable brands on social media. Scammers often use fake contests to gather personal information—never share sensitive info via email or DM. If a brand reaches out to you about winning a giveaway, call the brand directly to ensure they’re legitimate.

4. Watch for Phishing Scams

Always double-check sender emails to make sure they’re not using foreign characters to look like legitimate email addresses, avoid suspicious links, and be wary of direct messages asking for personal details.

5. Limit Sharing of Personal Information

Avoid posting sensitive details about your location, travel plans, or spending habits on social media, as scammers can use these to target you.

6. Review Privacy Settings

Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information on each social media platform. Things like date of birth should be hidden.

7. Be Cautious with Links in DMs

Avoid clicking on links from unknown contacts. If a friend sends one, confirm its authenticity before opening it.

Any message from friends or family asking you to click a link on Social Media should be confirmed with a phone call before clicking.

8. Look Out for Fake Profiles

Scammers may create fake profiles mimicking brands or friends. Double-check new requests to ensure they’re genuine.

The same goes for sellers on Facebook Marketplace - Never pay in advance for items from social media marketplaces or provide bank details.

9. Monitor Account Activity

Regularly check your account for unusual logins, messages, or posts, and report anything suspicious.

10. Educate Your Employees

If you have a team managing your social media, it’s crucial to train them on security basics. Teach them to recognize phishing attempts, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify requests for sensitive information.

Protect Your Business This Holiday Season

The holidays should be a time for joy, not worry over security breaches. With a few simple precautions, you can safeguard your social media accounts and focus on what matters most.

And if you’re unsure about securing your online presence, I’m here to help! With over a decade of experience, I offer personalized support and best practices to keep your social media safe year-round. Let’s make this holiday season stress-free and filled with peace of mind—reach out today to get started!

Social Media Safety Tips for the Festive Season