Holiday deal or trap? How to spot the scam

The holiday season is a prime hunting ground for scammers. People are shopping more, looking for deals, and feeling pressured by time. Fake websites and social media ads target everything from electronics to those must-have toys. Scammers rely on urgency and excitement— counting on you being in a rush and less likely to double-check if that deal really is too good to be true. Follow guide to help identify and avoid common online holiday shopping scams.

Types of online holiday scams

Copycat shopping websites

These scams are cleverly disguised online stores, often promoted through social media ads. They mimic real retailers with professional photos, polished layouts, and even logos that look familiar. They often offer highly-desired items—such as popular sneakers, toys, or holiday décor—at lower prices to lure you in. You place your order, but instead of the item arriving at your door, your money vanishes. Worse, your credit card and other personal information get stolen.

Misleading social media ads

Deceptive ads happen all year on social media. Since more people are shopping during the holidays, it’s important to be extra vigilant during this time. Scammers might post ads selling items that don’t exist. This is especially true with individuals and small businesses selling items in online community marketplaces or other local sites.

Influencers and fan sites

Social media influencers, celebrities, and the restaurants and retail stores you follow often advertise special offers or discounts to their fans during the holidays. Scammers may create fake accounts that mimic your favorite sites. They may contact you and claim that you have won a contest or free offer. When you click on a link or ad, it directs you to enter your credit card payment or asks questions to get your personal information. If you get an unsolicited direct message, text, or email it is usually a scam.

How to protect yourself

An informed shopper is a safe(er) shopper

Algorithms can be helpful. Who doesn’t love when your app suggests the perfect recipe or song? But they also make us easy prey for scammers. Stay skeptical, shop smart, and when in doubt—close the tab before you click or buy. Follow this cybersecurity guide when shopping online:

• Check the URL. Fake sites often use misspelled names that are close to established companies’ names (like “Amaz0n” instead of “Amazon”) or strange website address endings.
• Do a quick search. Don’t assume the seller represents the company named in the ad. Look closely to see if you can tell who the real seller is. Then, search that company’s name online, adding words like “scam” or “complaint.” Look up reviews of the company outside of the website itself. If you can’t find anything, or all the reviews look identical, that’s a red flag.
• Compare prices. See what the product is selling for in other places. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Avoid “limited time” offers that encourage impulse buying.
• Pay by credit card if possible. Paying by credit card, rather than debit cards or payment apps, usually gives you the best protection if something goes wrong. It is usually much easier to dispute a fraudulent charge with a credit card issuer than a debit card issuer. Never buy anything from online sellers who insist you pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

What to do if you get scammed

If you observe or have been the victim of a social media or fake website scam, follow these next steps:

• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They may be able to reverse charges or issue a new card.
• Change your passwords. If you entered personal information, update your login details across other accounts.
• Report it to law enforcement.
• Warn others. Share your experience, so friends and family don’t fall for the same trap.
• Tell us. Report your experience to us or call 866-275-2677 for assistance.