The holiday season, with all its joy and goodwill, unfortunately doubles as a lucrative time for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals. While friends and families gather to celebrate, scammers are busy crafting new ways to exploit the festive spirit. According to a 2024 report from the AARP Fraud Watch Network, more than 80 percent of U.S. consumers have been targeted by some form of holiday-related fraud. From fake charities to online shopping traps, the range of scams is as diverse as the gifts under the tree.
One growing scheme involves so-called “card declined” fraud. Shoppers making online purchases might see a message claiming their card was declined, even though the transaction actually went through. The scam is designed to trick victims into entering a second card, resulting in double charges. Criminals exploit this ruse to collect additional payment information, leaving consumers scrambling to undo the damage. Vigilance is critical—double-checking your account before taking action can save both money and frustration.
Online shopping scams remain a perennial holiday headache. Fraudsters create bogus websites and social media ads mimicking major brands, enticing shoppers with irresistible deals for products that never arrive. Social media platforms, in particular, are breeding grounds for such schemes, as most ads are not thoroughly vetted. Shoppers should avoid too-good-to-be-true deals and verify that any ad leads to a legitimate website. Otherwise, they risk paying for a gift that ends up being nothing more than a costly mirage.
Gift card scams also spike during the holidays, preying on the popularity of these convenient presents. Scammers often steal cards in bulk from store racks, jotting down card numbers and draining funds as soon as unsuspecting buyers activate them. The safest options are purchasing gift cards directly from retailers or choosing those stored securely behind the counter. By avoiding open-rack cards, consumers can sidestep these devious tricks.
Delivery and travel scams round out the list of common holiday frauds. As packages flood delivery networks, phishing emails and texts disguised as shipping notifications from companies like FedEx or USPS trick victims into providing personal information or downloading malware. Similarly, fake travel deals and spoofed websites posing as airlines or hotels lure people into handing over sensitive details. Whether booking a trip or tracking a package, consumers should approach unexpected communications with skepticism and avoid clicking suspicious links.
While the holidays may bring out the best in many people, they also provide fertile ground for cybercrooks to ply their trade. Staying informed and cautious can help consumers avoid these traps and focus on the true spirit of the season—enjoying time with loved ones, rather than untangling the aftermath of a scam.
