Holiday scams surge as shoppers face near-billion-dollar losses, IC3 reports

Holiday shoppers are confronting a surge in scams as gift buying, travel planning and charitable giving accelerate during the season. The Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 report tallies non-payment and non-delivery scams at more than $785 million and credit-card fraud at about $199 million, underscoring nearly $1 billion in losses tied to holiday fraud. Authorities say fraudsters rely on package-delivery anxiety, fake deals, social-media schemes and urgent requests to prey on consumers, especially as inboxes and texts flood with offers and alerts.

One of the most common tricks is fake phishing shipping notifications. Scammers send texts or emails that appear to come from USPS, FedEx or Amazon, claiming a problem with a package and urging recipients to click a link to fix it. Instead, the click can steal login credentials or quietly install malware. Cybersecurity experts say double-check URLs, avoid pressure to act now, and go directly to the retailer’s site rather than following a link. Fox News has reported that holiday scammers are cashing in on package season, while The Post noted Amazon warned its hundreds of millions of shoppers to watch for holiday hackers; the FBI said cyber crooks have already raked in hundreds of millions by hijacking accounts this year.

Too-good-to-be-true deals flooding social media are another trap. Slick ads on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook promote designer items at steep discounts, but many shoppers receive knockoffs or nothing at all; some sites vanish after checkout. The FBI has urged consumers to verify URLs and ensure a site is secure (look for https:), research new sellers, read reviews, and be wary of anyone claiming to be an authorized dealer from far away. Do not wire money, do not pay with prepaid gift cards, and prefer credit cards that are easier to dispute if fraud occurs. Experts warn that a lack of real reviews or a sketchy URL is often a red flag.

Social media gift exchanges that give nothing back can look festive but are usually scams. Schemes such as Secret Sister promise presents in exchange for participation but often collect personal information and money while delivering little or nothing in return. If a chain post asks for your address or personal details, or asks you to send gifts to strangers, it should be ignored. Forbes has reported that the FTC calls these mail-fraud schemes, and some victims could even see their social-media accounts compromised. Larger pyramids, like the Blessings in No Time program promising big returns, have drawn millions in and left participants empty-handed while fraudsters profit—and some organizers face legal trouble.

Imposter urgency scams continue to prey on workplace eagerness and authority. Scammers impersonate a boss, coworker, bank official or government agent, demanding immediate payment for an emergency. They often insist on unconventional payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency because those routes are hard to trace. The phenomenon is particularly acute for new hires, who may be pressured to prove themselves during the holidays. Financial Times has noted this trend, highlighting how scammers study social networks to map relationships and craft convincing, time-sensitive messages. Verification steps—pausing to confirm via official channels, following established procedures, and using traceable payment methods—are essential to blunt these attempts.

Holiday travel scams are a further threat. Fraudsters operate fake airline sites, bogus hotel bookings and counterfeit rental platforms that demand money for non-existent trips or surcharges that appear only after checkout. The FTC advises consumers to avoid offers that seem too generous, skip payments via gift cards or crypto, and thoroughly research any travel company before booking. When in doubt, call the hotel or airline directly to verify a reservation and compare addresses against trusted sources. Sticking to reputable travel sites and reading user reviews remain critical defenses against holiday getaways that turn into holiday rip-offs.

Beyond the specifics, the season’s fraud patterns reflect a broader risk landscape that blends online and off-line channels. Authorities urge continued vigilance as scam techniques evolve, particularly as shopping pressures mount in the weeks ahead. Consumers are encouraged to monitor bank and credit-card statements closely, report suspected fraud to IC3 or the Federal Trade Commission, and rely on secure payment methods that offer dispute rights. In an era of rapid digital commerce, a cautious, evidence-based approach remains the best defense against a holiday-spoiling scam.