Holiday Fraud

Holiday shopping scams are booming — here’s how to protect your wallet Online shopping has made holiday gift-buying convenient, but it’s also become a feeding ground for scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 — a record high. And the holiday season, with its flood of deals and stretched shoppers, is prime time for schemes ranging from fake websites to phishing emails that look like delivery notifications. This article walks through the most common holiday shopping scams and gives concrete steps to avoid them, based on FTC warnings and consumer protection advice. ...

Don’t Let a Mother’s Day Scam Spoil Your Gift — How to Shop Safely Amid Record Spending Mother’s Day is just days away, and if you haven’t bought a gift yet, you’re part of a large, last-minute crowd. The National Retail Federation is projecting record spending this year — something that fraudsters are already betting on. Scammers know that shoppers under time pressure are more likely to click first and think later. Before you hit “buy” on that perfect bouquet or the discounted electronics deal your mom has been eyeing, take a moment to understand the most common traps. ...

Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday shopping: What to watch for this season The holiday shopping season is a busy time for everyone—including fraudsters. With more transactions happening online, and many shoppers pressed for time, scammers have plenty of chances to exploit the rush. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reported that Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and online shopping scams are a major driver of those losses. Whether you’re buying gifts, hunting for deals, or just restocking household items, it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn about the latest tactics and how to avoid them. ...