Every December, fraud spikes dramatically. The FBI reports Americans lost over $220 million to holiday scams last year, and early 2025 numbers are running 30–40% higher.
As online shopping surges and inboxes fill with delivery alerts, scammers take advantage of the rush, distraction, and urgency of the season. From fake shipping notices to gift card schemes and impersonation calls, these tactics are becoming more sophisticated each year. This post breaks down the most common holiday scams—and the simple steps you can take to avoid them.
The Top 5 Holiday Scams in 2025
- Fake Package Delivery Texts & Emails A message claims “Your package can’t be delivered — click to reschedule.” The link steals your credentials or installs malware. These feel real because you actually are expecting packages.
- Gift Card Draining Thieves tamper with cards on store displays, copy the numbers, then drain the balance the instant the card is activated. Target, Amazon, and Apple cards are the favorites.
- AI-Powered Fake Charities & “Family Emergency” Calls Scammers now use deep-fake voices and video that sound exactly like your grandchild or a legitimate charity asking for urgent help.
- Grandparent Scam 2.0 A caller (or WhatsApp message) pretending to be your grandchild says they’re arrested abroad and need bail money wired immediately — using details scraped from social media.
- Fly-by-Night Online Stores on Social Media Too-good-to-be-true ads on Instagram/Facebook lead to websites that disappear with your money after January 1.
7 Simple Rules to Stay Safe This Season
- Never click links in unexpected delivery notifications — log in directly at Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or USPS
- Buy gift cards only from behind the counter or directly from the retailer’s official website/app.
- Any “emergency” request for money gets verified with a phone call to a number you already know — never the number they give you.
- Shop online with a credit card (not debit) for maximum fraud protection.
- Consider a temporary credit freeze at all three bureaus before Black Friday if you’re not applying for new credit.
- Turn on two-factor authentication on email, banking, and shopping accounts.
- Gently remind parents and grandparents: legitimate charities and grandkids almost never demand instant wire transfers or gift cards.
The Bottom Line
A moment of caution now can save you thousands later. The money scammers steal is almost never recovered.