Scammers build websites that mimic real retailers by copying logos, product images, and branding to look legitimate. They may advertise steep holiday discounts or “limited-time” Black Friday deals to lure shoppers who don’t check carefully. Once you enter payment info or personal data, you may never get anything back, or you may receive counterfeit goods.  

Fraudulent messages posing as retailers, couriers, or even official entities (banks, tax agencies, etc.) attempt to get you to click a link, download a file, or provide sensitive information. These messages may claim you need to “confirm” an order, update your payment info, or claim you’ve won a holiday deal.  

Because many people expect holiday packages, scammers take advantage by sending fake delivery alerts or tracking updates via text or email. The alert might instruct you to click a link to confirm delivery or pay a small fee. That link can lead to a phishing site or trigger malware.  

Sometimes even ads on social media or websites (especially ones promising big discounts or coupons) are traps. These malicious ads known as “malvertising”  can redirect you to phishing sites or install malware on your device simply for clicking.  

Scammers embed malicious QR codes in holiday flyers, posters, or online ads. Scanning the code (for a coupon, discount, or “special deal”) can send you to phishing sites or trigger downloads of malware. Sometimes fake apps advertised during the season mimic real retailers or services to trick you.  

In recent years, many people begin holiday shopping on social-media “marketplaces,” buy/sell/trade groups, or through ads on platforms. Scammers exploit that by posting fake listings for highly desired items at low prices. Because social media blurs the line between trusted contacts and unknown sellers, these scams are highly effective.  

Advances in AI have made scams more convincing: scammers can craft emails, websites, or ads with polished grammar, realistic branding, and even synthetic voices or images. This makes it harder to spot phishing, impersonation calls, or fake ads. Some scams even use deepfake-style “testimonials” or images to lend credibility.  

Holiday generosity is exploited by scammers who create fake charity appeals, bogus “holiday bonus” giveaways, or free-gift promotions to collect your personal or financial information. These appeals may look convincing especially when tied to emotional stories but they’re just a trick to get access to your data or money.  

When an online ad or listing offers a premium item at a deeply discounted price (especially during holiday sales), it can be a lure for scam sites.  

Scammers now often combine multiple methods: for example, a social-media ad leading to a fake store, paired with phishing emails, smishing texts, or fake customer-service chatbots boosting the odds that someone will slip up. This layered, coordinated approach makes scams harder to spot and avoid.