The holiday shopping frenzy is upon us, and while you’re hunting for the perfect gifts, scammers are hunting for your payment information.
According to Visa’s 2025 Holiday Threats Report, criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake websites and messages that could even fool savvy shoppers.
Michael Jabbara, global head of fraud services at Visa, warns that scammers view the holidays as their own personal shopping season. The combination of rushed shopping decisions, unfamiliar websites, and emotional spending creates the perfect storm for financial fraud.
1. Fake retail websites look shockingly real
Those incredible Black Friday deals flooding your social media feeds? They might lead to expertly crafted fake websites designed to steal your credit card information.
These sites can look nearly identical to legitimate retailers, complete with professional logos, product photos and even customer reviews. Some fake sites actually ship products, though it’s often not what you ordered. Others take your money and disappear.
The scam works because criminals know you’re looking for deals and moving quickly.
Jabbara advises trusting your instincts: “If a consumer has a feeling that a deal is too good to be true, or a website looks fishy, do some validation.”
Before entering payment information, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking links from ads or social media. Look up independent reviews of unfamiliar sites.
2. Package delivery scams exploit shipping anxiety
Your phone buzzes with a text claiming there’s a “UPS delivery problem” and prompting you to “click here to reschedule.” During peak shipping season, when you’re tracking multiple packages and worried about gifts arriving on time, these messages feel urgent and legitimate.
But clicking that link could cost you. Scammers impersonate major shipping companies like UPS or FedEx, creating fake tracking pages that harvest your credit card details. Once they have your information, criminals might sell it on the dark web or enroll you in recurring billing cycles you never signed up for.
The defense is simple: never click on links in unexpected delivery texts. Instead, go directly to the shipping company’s website and enter your tracking number there.
3. Seasonal job scams cost you money
If you are looking to earn extra cash for holiday expenses, scammers take advantage and create fake job postings that seem perfect, offering work-from-home jobs with great pay and flexible hours. They ask you to pay upfront for training materials, background checks or application fees.
“We see ‘job offers’ that tell workers they have to pay a fee to apply, or for a background check,” Jabbara notes. “That is a surefire sign of a scam.”
Protect yourself by applying only through a company’s official channels. Research any company before applying, and remember: If they’re asking for money before you’ve earned any, it’s a scam.
4. Travel fraud targets holiday trips
That unbelievable vacation rental deal or deeply discounted flight might be too good to be true. Fake travel websites proliferate during the holidays, when people book last-minute trips to visit family or take advantage of time off.
These sites often copy legitimate travel companies’ designs, but direct payments to scammers’ accounts. Some send phishing emails claiming there’s a problem with your existing reservation, hoping to capture your credit card details when you “verify” your booking.
Stick to well-known travel booking platforms or book directly with airlines and hotels. If you receive an email about a booking issue, don’t click the link. Log into your account separately to check for real problems.
5. Charity scams exploit holiday generosity
Year-end giving attracts scammers who create fake charities with heart-tugging stories and professional websites. They might approach you in person with mobile card readers for “tap to donate” or send emails about urgent causes.
Criminals know people feel generous during the holidays and may donate impulsively. Before giving, verify any charity’s legitimacy.
Protect yourself this season
The holidays should be about celebration, not financial stress. These scams are sophisticated, and protecting yourself comes down to a few key habits:
- Slow down when shopping online.
- Type retailer URLs directly into your browser rather than clicking ads.
- Use credit cards for better fraud protection
- Set up transaction alerts to catch unauthorized charges immediately.
- If you receive unexpected texts or emails about deliveries or bookings, resist the urge to click. Instead, go directly to the company’s website.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If a deal seems impossibly good or something feels off about a website, take a moment to investigate. As Jabbara reminds us, “Scammers do this for a living and are very good at it.”
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