The 12 Scams of Christmas:  How to Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season 🎁

The holidays are a time for giving, connecting, and celebrating, but for cybercriminals it’s also the peak season to take advantage of distracted shoppers and generous hearts.

 

As online shopping, travel, and donations surge in December, scammers get creative with new ways to steal data and money.

 

Here are 12 common holiday scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself from them.

 

🎁 1. Fake Retail Websites

That deal that looks too good to be true probably is. Scammers create convincing fake stores that mimic real brands to steal payment information.

Tip: Always check the URL and look for HTTPS before entering any personal details.

 

💳 2. Phishing Emails and Texts

Holiday “delivery notifications,” “gift confirmations,” and “exclusive offers” often hide malicious links.

Tip: Hover over links before clicking and avoid opening attachments from unknown senders.

📦 3. Package Delivery Scams

Texts or emails claiming “Your package is delayed. Click to reschedule” are common phishing tricks.

Tip: Track shipments only through the retailer or carrier’s official website.

🧧 4. Gift Card Scams

Fraudsters love gift cards because they’re untraceable. They’ll impersonate coworkers or friends asking you to buy cards “as a favor.”

Tip: Verify the request directly before sending any codes or making purchases.

💸 5. Charity Scams

Fake charities pop up around the holidays to exploit goodwill.

Tip: Research before donating by checking the organization’s website or using trusted sources like CharityNavigator.org.

🛍️ 6. Social Media Giveaway Scams

Those “Like and Share to Win” contests can harvest your personal info or lead to phishing pages.

Tip: Only engage with giveaways from verified brand accounts.

🎮 7. Gaming Console or Tech Resale Scams

When popular items sell out, scammers list fake resales online to take payment and disappear. 

 

Tip: Stick to official retailers or platforms that offer buyer protection.

✈️ 8. Travel Scams

Fraudulent booking sites and fake vacation rentals spike around the holidays.

Tip: Book through reputable travel companies and avoid wire transfers.

📱 9. Fake App Downloads

Apps promising deals or discounts can secretly steal data or install malware.

Tip: Download apps only from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

💼 10. Holiday Job Scams

Beware of “work from home” offers that ask for personal info or upfront fees.

Tip: Research the company and avoid jobs that require payment first.

🕵️ 11. Tech Support Scams

Pop-ups claiming “Your computer is infected” often lead to scammers demanding remote access or payment.

Tip: Close the tab and contact verified support channels directly.

🔒 12. Fake Order Confirmations

These mimic Amazon or other retailer emails, luring you to click on tracking links that lead to phishing sites.

Tip: Log into your account directly instead of clicking on email links.

🎄 Stay Safe, Shop Smart

This season, take a few seconds to pause before you click, download, or donate. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, it probably is.

ContactUs@GraysonDS.com | graysonds.com

Grayson Data Services wishes you a safe, secure, and scam-free holiday season.