The holiday season is meant for joy and celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scams can threaten that cheer. Imagine this: you’re relaxing and scrolling through TikTok when you spot an ad for your favorite shoe brand. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals everywhere, a “buy one, get one free” offer is hard to resist.
At the surface the website looks trustworthy. The logos, product details, and checkout are all what you’d expect. You make your purchase and go about your day. But days later, when you check your bank statement, you see the payment went to a business you don’t recognize. That’s when the realization sets in: the site was a scam.
Why Are Holiday Scams So Common?
The busiest shopping season is also prime time for scammers. Fraudsters count on us being in a hurry to purchase gifts, which makes it easier for them to slip past our defenses.
This year, scammers have an even bigger advantage: artificial intelligence. Nearly half of Americans have already come across AI-driven scams while shopping online.
How AI Amplifies Holiday Scams
Scams are more sophisticated than ever. Thanks to generative AI, criminals can:
- Recreate entire brand websites that look authentic
- Imitate the voices of well-known influencers
- Produce convincing video ads that promote phony deals
These deepfake scams are flooding platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where bad actors impersonate familiar faces or trusted brands to market “exclusive” offers. The lines between genuine and fake content are becoming harder to see.
Holiday Scam Statistics
- 1 in 5 Americans report falling victim to a holiday scam in the past
- Average reported loss: $840 per person
- 57% feel more anxious about AI-driven scams this year
- North America saw a 1,740% increase in detected deepfakes last year
Scams to Watch Out for This Season
1) Fake Online Retailers
Fraudulent sites copy major brands, right down to the product photos and logos—but use slightly altered web addresses (like target-sale.com).
Tip: Always type the retailer’s website directly into your browser instead of following ads or social media links.
2) Social Media and TikTok Scams
Deepfake videos and stolen influencer content make phony deals appear genuine. If a celebrity or influencer shares an unfamiliar discount link, it could be a trap.
Tip: Confirm the account is verified and browse previous posts. Authentic brands rarely post out-of-the-blue videos with odd links.
3) Delivery Text Message Scams
Scammers send messages like, “We can’t deliver your package—click here to pay a small fee.” These messages lead to fake sites that steal your payment details.
Tip: Major delivery companies don’t ask for payment via text. Always verify through official apps or websites.
4) Gift Card & Account Verification Scams
You might get a message claiming your account is locked, or requesting gift cards to “resolve” an issue. Unfortunately, once a gift card code is sent, the money is lost.
Tip: No real company will ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment.
hOW tO pROTECT yOURSELF wHILE shOPPING
To protect yourself while shopping online during the holidays, keep these best practices in mind:
- Go straight to the retailer by typing their web address manually.
- Pause before clicking any link: hover over it and check sender information.
- Keep your device software up to date—this helps guard against cyber threats.
- Stick to secure Wi-Fi or use a VPN; avoid making purchases over public networks.
- Never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency to online sellers—legitimate businesses won’t ask for this.
The Bottom Line: Holiday shopping should be a source of excitement, not worry. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and let these tips help you enjoy a safe and happy season.
