Beware the Grinches: How to Spot & Avoid Holiday Scams This Season

December 01, 2025

The holiday season is supposed to be joyful — but for fraudsters, it’s prime time. As shoppers ramp up their buying, scammers ramp up their schemes. This year, the risk is especially high. Here’s what you need to know.

The Scope of the Problem: Holiday Scams Are Growing

According to a 2025 AARP report, 89% of U.S. adults say they have experienced at least one form of fraud, from fake shipping texts to deceptive social media ads.
Over 50% of adults reported receiving a fraudulent notification (for example, a fake delivery alert or a fake toll-payment text) in the past year.
Use of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps is also creating new vulnerabilities: 42% say they sent money to someone they don't know well, and 40% paid sellers they’d never worked with before.

These numbers show that fraud isn’t just an occasional annoyance — it’s a real, growing threat. Here are the top scams to watch for this season and how to avoid them.

1. Non-Delivery Scams (You Pay, Nothing Arrives)

This is one of the most common holiday scams. Fraudsters set up fake shops, social media ads, or marketplace listings showing hard-to-find or discounted items. You place an order… and the package never shows up.
How to stay safe:

Stick to trusted retailers or verified marketplace sellers.
Be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap or urgent.
Check reviews and seller history before buying.

2. Auction & Marketplace Scams

Online auction platforms and resale sites become especially active during the holidays — and so do scammers. They may post fake listings, demand payment outside the platform, or bait buyers with extremely low bids.
How to stay safe:

Never complete payment off-platform.
Review seller ratings and listing history.
If a bid looks unrealistically low, proceed with caution.

3. Phishing Emails & Fake Shipping Alerts

Scammers send emails or texts claiming there’s a delivery issue or asking you to “confirm” information. These messages often include links that steal your login or financial details.
How to stay safe:

Don’t click unexpected tracking links.
Visit the carrier’s website directly to check package status.
Watch for typos or unfamiliar sender addresses.

4. AI-Enhanced Social Media Scams

In 2024, scammers increasingly used AI-generated ads, product images, and even fake celebrity endorsements to sell counterfeit or non-existent products.
How to stay safe:

Research the company before buying through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
Look for real reviews outside social media.
Be wary of “limited-time” ads with unrealistic discounts.

5. Gift Card & Urgent Payment Scams

Scammers impersonate companies, coworkers, or family members pretending they need urgent help — and ask for gift cards or quick digital payments.
How to stay safe:

Know that legitimate businesses never request gift cards as payment.
void sending money to strangers through P2P apps.
Pause if someone pressures you to act immediately.

6. Charity Scams

Fake charities appear more often during the holiday giving season, mimicking real organizations to solicit donations.
How to stay safe:

Verify charities on sites like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving.
Donate directly through official websites, not random links.

Quick Tips for a Scam-Free Season

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
Keep your devices updated.
When in doubt, verify before you click, buy, or donate.
Contact your bank right away if something feels off.

Enjoy a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

With a little caution, you can shop confidently and enjoy every moment of the season. Our team is here to support you — reach out anytime with questions about fraud or account safety.