The holidays are here, and so are the scammers who hope to catch people when they’re distracted.
According to AARP, 82% of U.S. adults say they have encountered some form of holiday-related fraud. That means fake deals, misleading ads, or phony delivery messages designed to trick us.
Why this time of year is risky
Scammers know we are:
- Shopping more, often in a hurry
- Expecting more packages than usual
- Dealing with tighter budgets and hunting for bargains
- Seeing more ads on social media (including fake ones for counterfeit products)
How to protect yourself
Here are three simple habits that can help keep your holidays safe:
- Stick with trusted retailers and trusted URLs.
If a deal seems unbelievably good, it probably is. Type in the retailer's web address; don’t click links from emails, ads, or social media posts. - Go straight to the source for shipping updates.
Avoid unexpected delivery texts or emails. Check your order status directly on the retailer’s website or app. - Be cautious with gift cards.
Purchase cards from secured locations and check for signs of tampering.
Want to learn more?
- Cyber safety matters year-round, not just during the holidays. Stay tuned for our New Year, New You: Back to Basics campaign launching in February with simple steps to help you start 2026 on a strong cyber footing. Sign up for alerts to get in on the action.
- Watch the recording of the recent Holiday Deals or Steals webinar. It offers real examples of holiday scams and practical tips you can use right away.
- And for a quick refresher, revisit our Bee Cyber Fit podcast episode Don’t Get Hoaxed This Holiday Season.