Holiday spending is expected to hit record highs this year, $215 billion on gifts and $325 billion on travel and experiences (NerdWallet, 2025). According to the FTC, nearly one in three consumers fell victim to an online scam last holiday season, and experts warn 2025 could be even worse.
Fraud is evolving—what once filled email inboxes now floods phones via text message and social media. Scammers use fake shipping updates, urgent refunds, and “exclusive deals” to trick shoppers into giving up their personal and financial information. Being aware of the most common holiday scams can help you avoid them. Here are the top 10 schemes to be on the lookout for this year.
Article by Carefull, a business partner of California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions.
