’Tis the season for twinkling lights, overflowing inboxes — and scammers working overtime.
As Americans rush to buy gifts, book travel and spread holiday cheer, fraudsters are decking the halls with fake deals, bogus charities and panic-inducing messages designed to empty wallets faster than a last-minute Black Friday sale.
Non-payment and non-delivery scams cost people more than $785 million that year, while credit card fraud added another $199 million in losses, per the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) 2024 report.
From phony shipping alerts to too-good-to-be-true bargains, these seasonal scams are popping up everywhere — in your texts, your DMs, and even your email from “the boss.”
Here are the five holiday cons Americans keep falling for — and how to spot them before Santa leaves you a lump of coal.
1. Fake phishing shipping notifications: ‘Your package is delayed‘
If you’re waiting on a holiday delivery, scammers are counting on it.
Fake texts and emails posing as USPS, FedEx or Amazon messages claim there’s a problem with your package — and all you need to do is click a link to fix it. Instead, that click can hand over your personal info or quietly install malware on your device.
Fox News reports that holiday scammers are cashing in on package season, sending fake tracking texts and spoofed delivery alerts designed to steal logins, install malware and hijack accounts.
Cyber expert Kurt Knutsson warns shoppers to double-check links, watch for weird URLs, and go straight to a retailer before clicking.
If a phishing message pressures you to “act now,” demands payment or looks slightly off, it’s probably not your package that’s lost — it’s a scam.
As The Post previously reported, Amazon warned its 300 million shoppers last month to watch out for holiday hackers posing as company reps — the FBI says cyber crooks have already raked in nearly $300 million by hijacking accounts this year.
2. Too-good-to-be-true deals flooding social media
That designer bag for 80% off? There’s a reason it looks too good to be true.
Scammers are flooding Instagram, TikTok and Facebook with slick ads promising massive discounts — but shoppers either receive cheap knockoffs or nothing at all. Some sites vanish entirely after checkout.
If a retailer has no real reviews, a sketchy URL or pressures to “buy now,” it’s probably not a steal — it’s a setup.
According to the FBI, it pays to stay sharp before your holiday cheer turns into a cyber nightmare. Check every URL to make sure it’s legit and secure — “https” is your friend.
Do your homework on new sellers, read reviews, and be skeptical of anyone claiming to be an authorized dealer from halfway across the globe.
Never wire money, never send prepaid gift cards, and always use a credit card that you can monitor for suspicious charges.
3. Social media gift exchanges that give nothing back
It sounds festive. It sounds fun. It’s usually a scam.
Social media “gift exchange” schemes like “Secret Sister” promise presents in exchange for participation — but mostly collect personal information and sometimes money, while leaving participants empty-handed.
If a chain post asks you to share your address or personal details, or to send gifts to strangers, it’s best left on read.
As Forbes recently reported, the FTC calls this mail fraud, and you could even lose your Facebook account for playing along.
Bigger scams, like the $10,000-$60,000 “Blessings in No Time” pyramid, have left victims empty-handed while the crooks raked in millions — and some are now facing jail time.
4. Imposter urgency scams: ‘I need this done ASAP‘
Scammers love urgency — and they love authority even more.
These cons come disguised as frantic messages from a “boss,” “coworker,” bank official or government agency, demanding immediate payment for an “emergency.”
The catch? They often insist on gift cards, wire transfers or crypto — payment methods that are nearly impossible to trace.
If someone is rushing you, bypassing normal procedures and asking for unconventional payment, it’s not a holiday crisis — it’s a red flag.
Scammers also love new hires this time of year, according to the Financial Times.
“Boss scams” target employees’ natural eagerness to impress, tricking them into buying gift cards or sending funds under the guise of urgent requests.
Fraudsters study social media to map out relationships and exploit authority, making that “I need this ASAP” email look all too real.
5. Holiday travel scams: Your dream trip could be a nightmare
Planning to jingle all the way to Grandma’s or a tropical getaway? Watch out — scammers are cashing in on holiday wanderlust.
Fake airline sites, bogus hotel bookings and phony rental platforms are luring travelers into paying for trips that don’t exist, hit them with hidden fees, or deliver accommodations that are more nightmare than paradise.
The FTC says avoid “free” vacations, skip payments via gift cards or crypto, and always research a company before you book.
When in doubt, the FTC advises calling the front desk, double-checking addresses, and sticking to reputable sites — or risk turning your holiday getaway into a holiday rip-off.
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