Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, overflowing inboxes – and scammers working overtime. As Americans rush to buy gifts, book trips and spread holiday cheer, scammers are decking the halls with fake offers, fake charities and panic-inducing messages designed to empty wallets faster than a last-minute Black Friday sale.
Types of Holiday Scams
According to a recent study, non-payment and non-delivery fraud cost people more than $785 million this year, while credit card fraud caused another $199 million in losses. From fake shipping alerts to deals that seem too good to be true, these seasonal scams are popping up everywhere – in your text messages, your DMs, and even your emails from the “boss.”
Fake Phishing Shipping Notifications
If you’re waiting for a holiday delivery, scammers are counting on it. Fake text messages and emails posing as messages from USPS, FedEx, or Amazon claim there is a problem with your package – and all you have to do is click a link to fix the problem. Instead, that click can share your personal information or silently install malware on your device. To avoid this scam, double-check links, watch out for strange URLs and go directly to the retailer before clicking.
Too Good to Be True Deals
That designer bag at 80% off? There’s a reason it looks too good to be true. Scammers are flooding social media with slick ads promising massive discounts – but buyers are either getting cheap knock-offs or nothing at all. Some websites disappear completely after payment. To avoid this scam, check each URL to make sure it is legitimate and secure, read reviews and be skeptical of anyone who claims to be an authorized dealer from around the world.
Social Media Gift Exchange Scams
Social media “gift exchange” programs like “Secret Sister” promise gifts in return for participation — but mostly collect personal information and sometimes money while leaving participants empty-handed. If a chain message asks you to give your address or personal information or send gifts to strangers, it’s best to leave it alone. The FTC calls this an email scam, and you could even lose your Facebook account if you play along.
Urgency Fraud
Fraudsters love urgency – and they love authority even more. These cons are disguised as frantic messages from a “boss,” a “colleague,” a bank official, or a government agency demanding immediate payment for an “emergency.” The catch? They often insist on gift cards, wire transfers or crypto – payment methods that are difficult to trace. If someone overcharges you, circumvents normal procedures, and demands an unconventional payment, it’s not a vacation crisis, but a red flag.
Vacation Travel Scams
Are you planning to visit grandma or take a tropical vacation? Be careful – scammers take advantage of people’s desire to travel on vacation. Fake airline websites, fake hotel bookings, and fake rental platforms lure travelers into paying for trips that don’t exist, charging them with hidden fees, or offering accommodations that are more of a nightmare than a paradise. To avoid this scam, avoid “free” vacations, avoid paying via gift card or cryptocurrency, and always research a company before booking. When in doubt, call the front desk, double-check addresses, and stick to reputable websites—otherwise, you risk turning your vacation into a rip-off.
