Fraud Files: Your Guide to the Top 5 Holiday Scams

While we’re busy getting ready for the season of good cheer, scammers are working overtime, too. Don’t believe us? It’s estimated that nearly 75% of Americans encountered at least one holiday scam attempt last year. The best defense? Awareness! Follow along as we unwrap five scams to watch for this December.
 

#1 - Special Delivery: Fraud Edition

Between Black Friday sales and checking off Christmas lists, package deliveries are at their highest this time of year. Scammers try to take advantage of this volume by sending fake delivery issue notices in text messages with links designed to steal your personal info.

Red Flags:

• Delivery notices when you haven't ordered anything
• Pressure to act immediately
• Links to unfamiliar websites or shortened URLs
• Requests for payment to "release" a package or update shipping information

Safety Tips:

• Never click unexpected links
• Track your packages with carrier's official website or app
• Contact the delivery service directly using the phone number from their official website
• Keep an eye out for any of these text fraud red flags

#2 - Love is in the Air… And So Are Scammers

The holidays can feel lonely, and scammers count on it. They create and use fake dating site profiles to form false relationships and then ask for money. With losses topping $823 million in 2024, this scam breaks hearts and bank accounts.

Red Flags:

• Declarations of love happening within days or weeks
• Always having an excuse for why they can’t meet in person or video chat
• Profile photos that look too perfect
• Sudden requests for money for emergencies, travel, or medical bills

Safety Tips:

• Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
• Share new relationships with trusted friends or family
• Do a reverse image search of their profile photos
• Be suspicious if they can't or won't video chat

#3 -  Not-So-Merry Employment Opportunities

Looking for extra holiday cash? Scammers are counting on it. The Better Business Bureau reported a 54% increase in job scams during the last holiday season. Their fake "work from home" positions or secret shopper roles are designed to steal your personal information or money.

Red Flags:

• Job offers without interviews, even during peak hiring season
• Employers asking for payment up front for job supplies, applications, or training fees
• High wages for simple tasks with minimal qualifications and vague company info
• Requests for personal information, like your social or ID, before a formal job offer
• Communication through non-official email accounts or text messages
• Pressure to act quickly or "secure your spot"

Safety Tips:

• Never pay fees to get a job
• Research companies through official websites and the Better Business Bureau
• Be wary of unsolicited job offers via text or social media
• Don't provide sensitive information until you've verified the employer

 

#4 - Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals

Have you ever seen a holiday deal that just seems too good to be true? There’s a chance it isn’t! Around major shopping times, fake websites and social media ads pop up promising big savings. At the end of this scam, you’ll receive either nothing or counterfeit items and likely have your credit card information stolen.

Red Flags:

• Unusually low prices
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or awkward phrasing throughout the site and URL
• No contact information or return policy, and vague terms and conditions
• Only accepting payment through wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps (not credit cards)
• Social media only, no legitimate website

Safety Tips:

• Shop directly from official websites rather than clicking social media ads
• Research unfamiliar sellers by searching "[company name] + scam"
• Look for "https://" and a padlock icon in the web address
• For extra fraud protection across the board, pay using credit cards

 

#5 - Not-So-Happy Gift Cards

When it comes to gift cards, caution is always the best approach. Scammers use gift cards in many ways, including demanding payment via gift cards and stealing gift card numbers to use them for their own. In the third quarter alone, Americans lost over $54 million to gift card fraud.

Red Flags:

• Anyone demanding payment or claiming you owe money via gift cards
• Messages claiming ‘family members’ are in trouble and need gift cards immediately
• ‘IRS’ or ‘police’ calls threatening arrest unless you pay with gift cards
• ‘Boss’ or ‘supervisor’ texting you urgently asking you to buy gift cards
• Gift cards in stores that look tampered with 

Safety Tips:

• Legitimate companies and government agencies NEVER ask for gift card payments
• Verify urgent requests from family by calling them at a known number
• Inspect gift cards before purchase, checking for damage

 

Stay Scam-Free This Season

Keep the holidays joyful by trusting your instincts. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion. If you find yourself in a questionable situation, slow down and verify.

You’re not alone. Our dedicated fraud team is focused on one thing, keeping your information and money safe! If you fear you’re a victim of fraud, call us right away. The faster you report it, the better chance of mitigating the damage and keeping your information and money safe.