Holiday Shopping Scams That Could Ruin Your 2024 Season! Part 1

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it’s also prime hunting season for scammers. In 2024, the FBI has issued a warning to consumers about the growing risks of holiday-related fraud. With cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated tactics and online shopping continuing to grow, more opportunities exist for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting consumers than ever before.

Holiday Scams: Why 2024 Is A Particularly Risky Year
The FBI’s warning comes against a backdrop of record-setting online shopping activity. With holiday e-commerce sales projected to exceed $260 billion this year, scammers have more opportunities than ever to target victims. Fraudsters are deploying advanced techniques such as AI-generated fake websites and realistic phishing emails to trick even the most careful consumers. Younger shoppers are particularly at risk. According to the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, individuals aged 18 to 39 are 25% more likely to fall victim to online shopping scams than older adults. These shoppers, who rely heavily on e-commerce platforms and social media ads, often encounter scams disguised as unbelievable holiday deals.

The Real-World Impact Of Holiday Scams
The financial stakes of holiday scams are staggering. In 2023, U.S. consumers lost $10 billion to various scams, marking a $1 billion increase from the previous year. Among these, non-delivery scams accounted for $73 million in losses, as consumers paid for goods that never arrived. Gift card fraud, another common tactic, drained $148 million from victims, leaving them with no recourse to recover their money. The emotional toll is just as significant. Victims often report feelings of stress, anxiety, and betrayal, especially during the holidays when finances and trust are paramount. Falling for a scam can disrupt the festive spirit and cause long-lasting financial hardships.

Common Holiday Scams And How They Work
Here are some of the most common cyber holiday scams to watch out for:

Non-Delivery Scams
Among the most common holiday scams is the non-delivery scam, where fraudsters set up fake e-commerce websites or post counterfeit listings on legitimate platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. These scams often target high-demand items such as gaming consoles, smartphones, or designer goods. A shopper scrolling through their favorite marketplace spots a deal too good to pass up—a brand-new gaming console priced far below retail. Excited to snag a bargain, they quickly click "Buy Now," enter their payment information, and anticipate the shipping confirmation. But days pass, then weeks, with no sign of the item. Emails to the seller go unanswered, and the listing mysteriously disappears from the site. It’s only after countless failed attempts to track down the seller that the realization sets in—the deal was a scam, and the money is gone for good.

Gift Card Fraud Scams
Scammers frequently target victims through gift card fraud, exploiting the season’s popularity for prepaid cards as gifts. In this scheme, fraudsters impersonate charities, retailers, or even trusted acquaintances, asking victims to purchase gift cards and share the card numbers and PINs. A scammer might pose as a charitable organization soliciting donations for holiday meals or gifts for children. Alternatively, a fraudster could impersonate a retailer, claiming that a gift card is the only accepted form of payment for a time-sensitive deal.

Fake Charity Scams
The holiday season inspires generosity, but it also provides fertile ground for fake charity scams. Fraudsters create fictitious organizations, often using names, logos, or slogans that closely resemble those of reputable charities. They may reach out via phone calls, social media posts, or emails urging donors to act quickly to "make a difference" during the holidays.Tactics often include emotional appeals, such as helping families in need or providing toys for children, and pushing for immediate donations, often via untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards. A survey by AARP found that 80% of U.S. consumers encountered at least one holiday-related scam in 2023, with fake charity requests being a frequent tactic.

Phishing Emails and Fake Websites
Phishing emails and fake websites are among the most sophisticated scams today, designed to deceive even experienced online shoppers. Fraudsters craft communications that appear to come from legitimate retailers, delivery services or payment platforms. They become especially dangerous during the holiday season because they exploit the unique pressures and behaviors of this time of year. The holidays are a whirlwind of online activity—shoppers are racing to find deals, track orders and manage last-minute purchases. Scammers know this, and they tailor their schemes to blend seamlessly into the frenzy.

Imagine receiving an email claiming there’s a problem with your recent order— a package delay or a payment issue. During the holidays, with orders from multiple retailers in transit, it’s easy to lose track. The email looks legitimate, complete with a recognizable logo and professional formatting. Feeling the urgency to resolve the issue and avoid delivery delays, the recipient clicks the link without hesitation. They’re taken to a convincing website where they’re prompted to enter login credentials or payment details. By the time they realize the site is fake, their sensitive information is in the hands of scammers. What makes these scams even more potent during the holidays is the sheer volume of legitimate emails consumers receive, from shipping updates and promotional offers to invoices and account notifications. This overload makes it harder to differentiate between real and fraudulent communications. Advanced techniques, like AI-generated fake websites and phishing emails that mimic corporate branding, only add to the challenge. TransUnion’s data underscores the scale of the threat. During the 2023 holiday season, 3.6% of global e-commerce transactions were flagged as potentially fraudulent, and that number is expected to climb in 2024. With so much at stake, staying vigilant against these "digital wolves in sheep’s clothing" is more important than ever during the holiday rush.

(Partially reprinted. from www.forbes.com)