The holidays bring joy, travel, and plenty of shopping. They also bring scammers who know people are distracted, tired, and trying to get a lot done in a short time. Every year, they take advantage of the season. And every year, their tricks get a little smarter. Here are five scams that are showing up again, but with new twists you should pay attention to.
Online Shopping Scams
These scams show up more during the holidays because so many people shop from home. Scammers build fake online stores that look real in every way. The logos look familiar, the photos look perfect, and the website works smoothly, so nothing feels strange. But once you place an order, the item never comes, or you receive something completely different. Fake stores usually appear during big sales because people are focused on getting a good deal, not checking if the site is real.
The Grandparent Scam
This one targets older people, and it gets worse during the holidays when families expect calls from each other. A scammer pretends to be a grandchild or a close family member who is suddenly “in trouble.” They use fear and urgency to get the person to send money fast. Many older people act before thinking because the story sounds emotional and time-sensitive.
Holiday Phishing Emails
Phishing emails explode during the season because people are waiting for delivery updates, travel confirmations, and order receipts. Scammers know this and use it well. They send messages pretending to be shipping companies, online stores, banks, or government offices. The email may say your package is delayed or that your account needs verification. The moment you click the link or enter your details, they steal your information.
Fake Brand Websites
Cybercriminals create websites that look almost identical to trusted brands. Everything looks familiar, from the colors to the layout. These fake sites often appear high in search results, especially during holiday shopping rush. People click, shop, and unknowingly hand over their passwords or card details. The whole goal is to make the fake site look “real enough” at first glance.
Holiday Charity Scams
This is the season when people want to give, and scammers know that emotional timing works. They set up fake charity pages, send touching stories, and ask for donations. Some even pretend to represent real charities but send you fake payment links. Once you donate, the money is gone, and the charity never receives it.
The season is busy and everyone is moving fast. Scammers count on that. The best protection is slowing down just enough to look twice before clicking, sharing, or paying. The holidays should be warm and peaceful, not stressful because someone took advantage of you. Staying alert gives you one less thing to worry about and that’s a gift on its own.