12 Holiday Scams That Could Hook You
The holidays are here! Time for cozy vibes, gift shopping, and inboxes overflowing with deals and shipping updates. But guess what? Cybercriminals love this season just as much as we do. Why? Because distractions and urgency make it easier for them to slip in phishing emails that look almost legit.
Before you click that “Track Your Package” link or jump on a “Limited-Time Offer,” take a minute to check out these 12 common holiday scams. Knowing what to look for can save you from a headache and protect your personal and company data.
Fake Shipping Notifications
Scammers send emails claiming your package is delayed or needs address verification. These emails often include official-looking logos and urgent language to make you click.
Why it works: People expect shipping updates during the holidays, so they act fast without thinking.
Tip: Always track packages through official retailer or carrier websites, never through email links.
Gift Card Scams
Emails offering “exclusive gift card deals” or asking you to buy gift cards for someone in need are classic phishing tactics. They often impersonate managers or friends.
Why it works: Gift cards are popular holiday gifts, and urgency makes people comply.
Tip: Never purchase gift cards based on unsolicited emails. Verify requests through a phone call or official channel. It’s best to buy gift cards from stores. Read the 9 Tips to Shopping Safely This Holiday.
Charity Donation Requests
Fraudsters exploit generosity by posing as charities during the holidays. They’ll use emotional appeals and fake websites to steal your money or data. Sometimes they pose as someone
Why it works: People want to give back during the season of giving.
Tip: Verify charities through official sites or trusted platforms before donating.
Holiday Travel Deals
Too-good-to-be-true flight or hotel offers often hide malicious links or fake booking pages.
Why it works: Everyone loves saving money on holiday travel.
Tip: Book travel only through reputable providers and official apps. Avoid clicking links in emails.
Fake Order Confirmations
Emails claiming you placed an order you didn’t make prompt you to “click here” to cancel or review.
Why it works: Fear of unauthorized purchases makes people act quickly.
Tip: Check your actual account or call the retailer, don’t click links. And check your receipts from your email.
Social Media Giveaways
Phishing links disguised as contests or giveaways can steal login credentials or install malware.
Why it works: Free gifts and prizes are tempting during the holidays.
Tip: Avoid clicking on links from unknown accounts or suspicious posts.
“Urgent Account Alerts”
Emails warning your account will be locked unless you act immediately are designed to create panic.
Why it works: Urgency overrides caution.
Tip: Go directly to the official site, never trust email links in urgent emails.
Subscription Renewal Scams
Fake notices about expiring subscriptions (streaming services, antivirus) trick you into entering payment details.
Why it works: People don’t want service interruptions during the holidays.
Tip: Confirm renewals or plans through your account settings, not email links.
Fake Invoices
Cybercriminals send invoices for products you never ordered, hoping you’ll click to dispute or pay.
Why it works: Businesses and individuals process many transactions during the holidays.
Tip: Ignore and delete, verify with your actual vendors if unsure.
Holiday E-Cards
Malicious e-cards can carry malware or phishing links disguised as festive greetings. Sometimes, cybercriminals would even let you scan QR codes.
Why it works: People expect holiday greetings from friends and colleagues.
Tip: Only open e-cards from known senders and trusted platforms. Never ever scan unfamiliar QR codes.
“Secret Santa” Scams
Emails inviting you to join a gift exchange often lead to data harvesting or scams.
Why it works: Fun holiday traditions make people let their guard down.
Tip: Stick to gift exchanges organized by people you know.
Fake Customer Support
Scammers pose as support reps offering help with holiday purchases or account issues. Never share banking credentials and never give 2FA codes.
Why it works: People want quick solutions during busy shopping periods.
Tip: Contact support through official channels only, never through unsolicited emails.
How to Stay Safe
- Check links: Hover to verify URLs.
- Use multi-factor authentication: Boosts your security.
- Report suspicious emails: Notify your IT team or use your company’s phishing report tool.
- Update software: Patches help block known vulnerabilities.
- Keep 2FA codes private: Never share them.
- Avoid unknown QR codes: They may be unsafe and will lead to harmful websites.
Closing Thought
The holidays should be merry, not marred by scams. Cybercriminals count on us being busy and distracted, but a little caution goes a long way. Stay alert, think twice before clicking, and help keep your inbox and your data safe.
CTA:
👉 Have you spotted a suspicious email? Report it immediately through your company’s phishing tool or IT helpdesk.
👉 Share this blog with your team to spread awareness and keep everyone secure this season.
Happy Holidays from BEI and stay cyber-safe! 🎄
