Halloween should bring fun scares, not surprise charges. Between costumes, decorations, party tickets, seasonal giveaways, and packages arriving at the door, October gives scammers plenty of ways to blend in. Before you click buy or respond to an urgent message, slow down and look for these common tricks.

Fake costume and decoration websites

That sponsored ad for the perfect costume at an unbelievably low price may lead to a fake store. Scam websites often copy product photos and logos from legitimate retailers. After you pay, you may receive a cheap imitation, the wrong item, or nothing at all.

Before ordering from an unfamiliar seller, search the business name with words such as review, complaint, or scam. Check the return policy, shipping details, and contact information. Be cautious if the seller only accepts gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. The Federal Trade Commission recommends paying by credit card when possible because credit cards generally provide stronger protections for disputed purchases.

Phony tickets for haunted attractions and parties

Popular haunted houses, concerts, and Halloween parties can sell out quickly, which creates an opening for fake ticket sellers. A scammer may post tickets in a local group, send a convincing screenshot, and pressure you to pay before someone else grabs them.

Buy through the venue, event organizer, or an authorized ticket platform. If you use a resale service, stay on the platform for both payment and ticket delivery. Do not let a seller move the conversation to a private message and rush you into a payment method that offers little or no recourse.

Fake delivery texts

Waiting on a costume or candy order? A text claiming that your package is delayed, your address is incomplete, or a small delivery fee is due can feel believable. The link may open a look-alike shipping website designed to steal your card number, login information, or other personal details.

Do not use the link in the message. Open the retailer's app or type the shipping company's website into your browser, then check the tracking information there. If the text is unexpected, delete it and report it as junk or spam.

Giveaways that come with a catch

A post or message may say you won free event tickets, a costume, or a gift card. Then comes the catch: you need to pay a fee, provide your debit card number, or sign in through a link to claim the prize. Scammers also create fake surveys that promise a reward after you answer a few questions.

Check the giveaway on the company's verified website or social media account. Do not pay to receive a prize, and never share your banking login, password, or a security code to claim one.

Seasonal charity and fundraiser scams

Halloween often brings school fundraisers, community events, food drives, and campaigns for animal rescues or other local causes. Scammers may copy the name of a real organization or create a fundraiser with an emotional story but few details about where the money will go.

Look up the organization independently and use the donation page on its official website. Do not let anyone rush you into giving. The FTC warns that requests for donations by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency are major red flags. Keep a record of your donation and review your account afterward for unexpected or recurring charges.

Messages pretending to be One Nevada

A scammer may contact you about a suspicious costume or decoration purchase and claim your account is at risk. The message may look urgent and include a link or phone number. The scammer's goal is to get your login information or a one-time Secure Access Code before you have time to think.

Remember: One Nevada will never ask for your password, full login details, or Secure Access Code. If a call or message seems suspicious, stop the conversation. Open the official One Nevada app, type onenevada.org into your browser, or call the number on the back of your card.

Warning signs that deserve a closer look

• Pressure to act or pay immediately
• Prices that are far lower than every other seller
• A web address with misspellings, extra words, or an unfamiliar ending
• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
• Requests for your password, banking login, or Secure Access Code
• Unsolicited links in texts, emails, direct messages, or QR codes

What to do if you think you were scammed

Stop communicating with the sender and do not send more money. If you shared card information, banking credentials, or a security code, or if you notice a transaction you do not recognize, contact One Nevada immediately through a trusted channel. Change any exposed passwords, monitor your accounts, and lock your card in the One Nevada app if needed.

Visit the One Nevada Fraud Center for more ways to protect your information. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A quick pause before you click, pay, or share information can make all the difference. Keep the real scares in the movies and haunted houses, where they belong.