As the holiday season approaches, people are gearing up for the busiest shopping months of the year — and so are scammers. Federal agencies warn that November through December consistently produces the highest concentration of online fraud, with criminals exploiting rushed shoppers, confusing package-delivery schedules and the emotional pressure of gift-giving.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-payment and non-delivery scams alone cost Americans more than $503 million in 2025, with credit-card fraud adding another $282 million in losses.
The Federal Trade Commission reports that online shopping fraud consistently surges during Q4, with holiday-season complaints rising sharply each year as consumers flock to online retailers and digital marketplaces. And while 2026 is seeing more sophisticated tactics, the underlying patterns remain familiar: fake deals, fraudulent package notifications, gift-card schemes, and phishing attempts designed to steal personal information.
For those preparing for holiday shopping, here are the most urgent scam trends to watch — and practical steps to stay safe.
Online Shopping Fraud: The Biggest Holiday Threat
Online shopping fraud continues to dominate holiday-season losses. FTC seasonal analysis shows that Q4 (October–December) accounts for a disproportionate share of annual online shopping fraud, even though it represents only a quarter of the year. In 2025, holiday shopping fraud totaled approximately $920 million, concentrated in the six weeks between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
Scammers rely on urgency. Limited-time “doorbuster” deals, countdown timers, and “only 3 left in stock” messages push shoppers to act quickly — often before verifying whether a retailer is legitimate. Fake storefronts are now easier than ever to build, complete with AI-generated product descriptions and copied images from real retailers.
Cybersecurity analysts have documented a dramatic rise in fraudulent retail websites during peak shopping periods, along with a surge in phishing emails impersonating major brands.
Red flags for fake shopping sites:
URLs with extra words or unusual endings (e.g., best-buy-blackfriday-deals.shop)
Prices 80% or more below normal retail
No customer service phone number
No physical address
Requests for payment via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards
Before buying, verify the URL, check reviews, and confirm the retailer’s legitimacy. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Package-Delivery Impersonation Scams
Package-delivery scams are among the most common holiday frauds in the U.S., and they spike sharply in December when residents are expecting multiple deliveries. Scammers send texts or emails claiming a package is “undeliverable” or requires a small “reschedule fee.” Clicking the link leads to a fake USPS, UPS, or FedEx page designed to steal personal information or credit-card numbers.
A typical example circulating nationwide: “USPS package undeliverable — reschedule at usps-redelivery.com.” The link leads to a fraudulent site requesting a $2.99 fee. Real USPS redelivery does not require payment.
How to protect yourself:
Never click delivery links from unsolicited texts.
Visit the carrier’s official website directly (usps.com, ups.com, fedex.com).
Remember: legitimate carriers do not charge small “redelivery fees.”
Gift-Card Scams: A Persistent and Costly Problem
Gift-card scams remain one of the most damaging fraud categories, especially for older adults. The FTC reports that U.S. consumers lost $217 million to gift-card scams in 2024, across more than 41,000 reports. Gift cards are the second-most-reported fraud-payment method among older adults, accounting for 16% of loss reports.
Scammers use three main tactics:
Impersonation scams A “boss,” government agency, or utility company demands payment via gift card.
Retail shelf tampering Fraudsters overlay stickers or drain balances from cards on store racks.
Tech-support or emergency scams Criminals claim a loved one is in trouble and needs immediate payment.
The FTC’s one-sentence rule applies universally: “Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer.”
Safety tips:
Buy gift cards from behind the counter or from the back of the display rack.
Check for tampering or sticker overlays.
Prefer digital gift cards purchased directly from the retailer’s official website.
Verify the balance immediately after activation.
Phishing Attempts: Emails, Texts, and Social Media
Phishing remains a top holiday threat. Scammers send fake “order confirmation” emails for purchases you never made, hoping you’ll click a link to dispute the charge. Others impersonate major retailers, charities, or delivery companies.
The FBI warns that phishing links often lead to malware downloads or credential theft, and urges consumers to avoid clicking suspicious attachments or links.
Common phishing messages include:
“Your account has been locked update your password.”
“Your package cannot be delivered verify your address.”
“Thank you for your order click here to view your receipt.”
Always verify the sender and go directly to the retailer’s official website rather than clicking links.
Fake Charities and Holiday Donation Scams
Scammers exploit holiday generosity by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones. They often use emotional stories, urgent deadlines, or social-media campaigns to solicit donations.
How to verify a charity:
Check the organization on CharityNavigator.org or the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
Avoid donating through links sent via text or social media.
Use credit cards rather than debit cards for added protection.
What Residents Can Do Right Now
While holiday scams are a national issue, locals can take several practical steps to stay safe:
Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Federal law gives consumers 60 days from the statement date to dispute fraudulent charges, and Visa typically allows 120 days from the transaction date.
Monitor accounts frequently, especially during November and December.
Enable transaction alerts through your bank or credit-card app.
Avoid unfamiliar retailers, especially those advertising extreme discounts.
Report scams immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Bottom Line
Holiday scams are becoming more sophisticated, but the core warning signs remain consistent: unexpected messages, unbelievable deals, requests for gift-card payments, and pressure to act quickly. With losses climbing each year and scammers refining their tactics, staying vigilant is essential.
By understanding the latest fraud patterns — and taking a few simple precautions — residents can protect their finances, their personal information, and their peace of mind this holiday season.
