The holiday season is a time for giving, shopping, and connecting—but it’s also prime time for scammers. With record spending expected this year, fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money and personal information. From fake shipping alerts to AI-powered phishing, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and loved ones.

Common Holiday Scams in 2025

Fake Shipping Notifications & Delivery Scams

Scammers send texts or emails claiming there’s a delivery issue or fee. Clicking the link can install malware or steal your login details.
Tip: Track packages only through official retailer or carrier websites or apps. Never click unexpected links.

Phony Charity Appeals

Fraudsters exploit generosity by creating fake charities or mimicking real ones.
Tip: Verify charities through sites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Navigator. Avoid high-pressure donation requests.

Social Media Shopping Scams

Ads for hard-to-find gifts or huge discounts often lead to clone websites that steal payment info.
Tip: Stick to trusted retailers and type URLs directly. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Gift Card Fraud

Scammers tamper with cards on store racks or ask for payment via gift cards.
Tip: Buy gift cards directly from the issuing retailer and never use them for bill payments.

Grandparent & Family Emergency Scams (Now AI-Powered)

Criminals use AI to mimic voices or create deepfake videos, pretending to be loved ones in trouble.
Tip: Hang up and call the person directly using a known number.

Job & Work-from-Home Scams

Fake seasonal job offers ask for upfront fees or personal info.
Tip: Legitimate employers never ask you to pay for training or equipment.

Brushing & QR Code Scams

Random packages with QR codes can install malware when scanned.
Tip: Don’t scan codes from unknown sources and report any suspicious packages.

Emerging Trends for 2025

AI-Driven Phishing: Scammers use generative AI to create realistic emails and texts that mimic trusted brands.
Deepfake Impersonation: Audio/video scams targeting family members are on the rise.
P2P Payment Risks: Fraud via apps like Venmo and Zelle is increasing—two in five users have sent money to strangers.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Shop Smart: Use credit cards for added protection; avoid paying with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers.
2. Verify Before You Click: Go directly to official websites instead of clicking links in emails or texts.
3. Enable Security Features: Turn on multi-factor authentication and keep devices updated.
4. Freeze Your Credit: A simple step to prevent identity-based fraud.
5. Talk About Scams: Share warnings with friends and family—awareness reduces their risk significantly!

Stay alert, stay informed, and spread the word. If you suspect a scam, reach out to AmeriCU directly through official channels. Together we can keep the holidays joyful and scam-free!