Online Shopping & Holiday Scams: What to Watch for This Season

As the holiday season kicks off, so do the scams. With more people shopping online for gifts, travel deals, and seasonal sales, scammers are ready to take advantage of the rush. Whether it’s a fake website offering too-good-to-be-true prices or a phishing email disguised as a shipping notification, holiday scams can quickly turn festive cheer into frustration.

“Scammers know people are busy and spending more this time of year,” says Heather Barnhart, BSA/Fraud Officer at Opportunity Bank. “They use urgency and emotion to trick people into clicking, buying, or sharing sensitive information.”

The holidays are a prime time for fraudsters to get creative. Here are some common scams to watch out for as you shop, donate, and celebrate this season:

1. Fake Online Stores

Scammers create websites or social media ads that look like real retailers, offering deep discounts on popular items. Once you pay, the product never arrives—or you receive a cheap knockoff.

Tip: Stick to trusted retailers and check for reviews, return policies, and secure payment options before buying.

2. Phishing Emails & Texts

You might receive a message that looks like it’s from a shipping company, retailer, or even your bank. These messages often contain links that lead to fake login pages or install malware.

Tip: Don’t click on links in unsolicited messages. Go directly to the company’s website to track orders or verify account activity. Call your bank to verify charges on your account, not the retailer.

3. Gift Card Scams

Scammers may pose as a boss, friend, or family member asking you to buy gift cards and send the codes. These scams often start with a hacked email or text message.

Tip: Never send gift card numbers or PINs over email or text. Legitimate companies and individuals won’t ask for payment this way.

4. Charity Scams

The holidays are a time for giving—but scammers exploit that generosity by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones.

Tip: Research charities before donating. Use trusted sites like Charity Navigator or Give.org to verify legitimacy.

5. Charity and Credit Repair Scams

Scammers also try take advantage of the season of giving by offering fake grants, gifts, or credit score repair through social media ads or emails. After obtaining your personal and banking information, they deposit fake checks to your account, then request payment for fees associated with the grant

Tip: Government agencies offering legitimate grants will not request payment for fees via gift cards or Bitcoin. Sending money to someone via gift cards, Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo will not increase your credit score.

The holidays should be a time of joy—not stress over scams. By staying alert and shopping smart, you can help protect your finances and focus on what really matters this season. If you need assistance, work with local offices or charities. If you ever receive a suspicious message or notice unusual activity on your account, contact your local Opportunity Bank branch right away. We’re here to help you stay safe and secure, during the holidays and all year long.

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