1. “Too good to be true” online holiday deals
Scammers set up fake online stores and social media ads that look very close to real brands. Around the holidays they push “limited time” deals on toys, electronics, or hot items that are in short supply. Often you never receive the item, or your card is used for other charges.
Signs it might be a fake store
- The website address is slightly different from the real brand (extra letters or words).
- Only one way to pay, often with payment apps or wire transfers.
- Poor spelling or grammar, broken links, or missing contact details.
- No clear return policy or it is hidden in tiny print.
How to protect yourself
- Type the store name into a search engine with words like “review” or “scam” before you buy.
- Use a credit card for extra protections, not debit, wire transfer, or gift cards.
- Be careful with deals that say “today only” or pressure you to act immediately.
2. Travel and holiday rental scams
Winter break, ski weekends, and family trips are prime time for fake rental listings. Scammers copy pictures from real homes and list them on vacation rental sites or classifieds. They may insist you pay quickly to “hold” the booking, then disappear.
Warning signs
- Price is much lower than similar properties in the same area.
- Owner refuses to talk on the phone or video chat.
- They ask you to pay with wire transfer, gift cards, or payment apps “friends and family.”
How to protect yourself
- Only book through trusted platforms that offer protection and secure payment options.
- Read reviews carefully and be cautious of listings with no history.
- Do not send money outside the booking platform, even if they say it will “save you fees.”
3. Gift card and “family emergency” scams
Scammers pretend to be a family member, friend, or even a boss who is in trouble and needs help quickly. They often ask you to buy gift cards or send money in a way that is hard to trace.
Common stories scammers use
- “Grandma, it’s me. I’m in trouble and you can’t tell anyone.”
- “I am stuck while traveling – can you send me gift cards or transfer money?”
- “I need you to buy gift cards for a work event. Text me the numbers on the back.”
How to protect yourself
- Pause and verify. Call the person on a known phone number, or reach out to another family member to check.
- Never read gift card numbers over the phone or send pictures of the back of the card.
- If someone says “you must pay with gift cards,” it is almost always a scam.
4. Charity and year-end donation scams
Many people are generous around the holidays and at the end of the year. Scammers create fake charities or copy the name of a real one with a slight change to trick donors.
Warning signs
- High-pressure requests to donate immediately over the phone or by text.
- They will not clearly explain how the money will be used.
- They ask for donations by wire transfer, gift cards, or payment apps only.
How to protect yourself
- Search for the charity’s name plus “review” or “rating” before you give.
- Go directly to the charity’s official website instead of clicking a link in a message.
- Keep records of your donations for your own budget and for tax purposes.
5. Package and delivery text scams
Around the holidays, many households receive multiple deliveries each week. Scammers send texts or emails that look like they are from UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon, or other delivery services with links to “track your package” or pay a small fee.
Common red flags
- Messages come from random phone numbers, not official short codes or email addresses.
- The link looks strange or has extra words or numbers added to it.
- The message says your package will be returned or destroyed if you do not act immediately.
How to protect yourself
- Do not tap links in texts or emails you did not expect.
- Go directly to the shipper’s official website or app and type in your tracking number.
- Delete unexpected messages that ask you to confirm personal or payment information.
6. If you already paid or shared information
If you think you have been scammed, take action quickly. Even if you cannot get all of your money back, acting fast can reduce further harm and help investigators.
If you gave a credit or debit card number
- Call the number on the back of your card right away and explain what happened.
- Ask the bank to review recent charges and block any that are suspicious.
- Change your online banking password and enable alerts if you have not already.
If you paid with gift cards
- Contact the company that issued the gift card right away and tell them it was used in a scam.
- Keep the receipt and the card if you still have it.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If personal information was exposed
- Change passwords on any accounts that use the same login or email.
- Turn on two-factor authentication where possible.
- Check your credit reports regularly for accounts you do not recognize.