Return to Blog

Scams Are Creeping In. What to Watch for This Halloween

Financial Advice

Share post on

Halloween Scams - Blog post

As you stock up on candy or help your kids choose the perfect costume, scammers are preparing their own tricks. From fake websites to fraudulent texts, here are five Halloween scams to avoid—and how to stay protected.

  1. The Costume Caper That costume you found online looks perfect. But if the site is a scam, you could end up with nothing at all or a poor imitation that barely resembles the photo. Either way, you lose the costume and the money.

How to stay safe:

  • Shop only from trusted retailers and verified websites
  • Look for red flags like poor grammar, vague contact details or unclear return policies
  • Confirm the site uses HTTPS and read customer reviews before placing an order
  1. The Haunted House Ticket Scam Scammers target popular seasonal events by selling fake tickets through social media or third-party platforms. Victims often discover fraud only when they are turned away at the entrance.

How to stay safe:

  • Purchase tickets directly from official event websites or reputable ticketing platforms
  • Be cautious of private sellers offering steep discounts
  • If meeting in person, choose a public location and bring someone with you
  1. The Phantom Charity Call Halloween is a prime time for fake fundraising appeals. You might receive a call, email or text asking for donations to support children, community events or seasonal causes. Emotional appeals can be powerful—but not always legitimate.

How to stay safe:

  • Ask for the organization’s name and verify it through Charity Navigator or similar platforms
  • Never share payment information over the phone unless you’ve confirmed the source
  • If the cause matters to you, donate directly through the official website
  1. The Trick-or-Treat Text A message pops up: “You’ve won a $500 gift card for being a loyal Halloween shopper.” It sounds enticing, but clicking the link could install malware, lead to a phishing site or prompt you to share personal information.

How to stay safe:

  • Avoid clicking links from unknown numbers
  • Delete any messages that request personal details
  • Trust your instincts—if it feels too good to be true, it likely is

Celebrate Smart. Stay Secure. Halloween should be full of treats, not tricks. With a little caution and awareness, you can keep the fun going while keeping fraud at bay.