- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
The holidays are a busy time for shopping, shipping, and giving, and criminals know it! To prevent scammers from disturbing the season, a few simple habits can protect your money, packages, and personal information. Here are some tips to help you stay safe from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
When a Deal Looks Too Good to Be True
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025, and scammers often catch shopper’s attention through fake online stores and social media ads. These ads may show popular brands at prices much below what you would normally see even during big sales.
- Take your time to research the seller. Search the store’s name online with words like “reviews” or “scam” to see if there are relevant alerts. Check for legitimate contact information like a physical store address and phone number you can verify. Be sure there is a clear return policy.
- Be careful with pressure tactics such as “today only” or “only two days left,” which are used to rush your decision. If you see a celebrity promoting a sale or a giveaway, remember that scammers can use AI to create fake but convincing videos, photos, and websites, so visit the store’s official website yourself instead of clicking the ad.
- Pay with a credit card, which offers stronger protection over a debit card if you need to dispute a charge.
Watch Out for Fake Delivery Messages
When you are expecting packages, a message saying there is a “missed delivery” or “address problem” can seem believable. The FTC reported that fake package delivery messages are the most reported type of text scam. The links in these messages often lead to look-alike websites that ask for personal information or a small “redelivery fee” to gain access to your accounts.
- Avoid clicking the link. Instead, go to the carrier’s website or app, or to the retailer where you ordered, and enter your tracking number to locate your package. If you receive a suspicious text, you can send it to 7726 (SPAM) so your wireless provider can help block similar messages and then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Keeping Your Packages Safe from Porch Pirates
Package theft is a crime that tends to rise during the holidays as deliveries increase to residential addresses. The FBI notes that porch pirates were estimated to have stolen approximately 228 million packages in 2025, costing consumers and businesses about $12.8 billion.
- Use tracking numbers to help estimate when a delivery will arrive or see where it is in transit so you can try to be home upon delivery. If you use tracking alerts, just double-check to be sure the alerts you receive are legitimate.
- Leave delivery instructions and ask that packages be placed out of sight. Shipping to a more secure location like a work address or opting for local in-store delivery where available are other options.
If a package is stolen, contact the seller or carrier and file a report with your local police department. For more tips, see OCABR’s Protecting Your Packages from Porch Pirates.
Gift Cards, Charities, and Seasonal Jobs
There are few other common scams that show up every year.
- A request from a vendor or company to pay for anything with gift cards is always a red flag, since legitimate businesses do not ask for payment this way. When buying gift cards, check for scratched PINs or damaged packaging before purchasing and do not buy cards that have been tampered with. Always keep your receipt.
- If you are planning to donate during this holiday season, research the charity first, even if the request sounds urgent. Never make a donation by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. OCABR’s Charity Check blog has more tips.
- If you are looking for extra seasonal income, be aware of fraudulent job offers. Some criminals will send you a check and ask you to deposit it and then return some money to them before you can start working. Some may ask for your Social Security number before you are even hired. Don’t fall for these tricks that will compromise your personal information or accounts.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Do not feel embarrassed! Scammers are skilled at what they do, and acting quickly can help. Contact your bank or credit card company to report unauthorized charges, change the passwords on any affected accounts, and save any messages, receipts, and other important information. You can report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local police department.
A little caution can keep you a step ahead. Take the time to check sellers, double-check messages, protect your packages, and give with care so you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
