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The holidays are a whirlwind of excitement—hunting for the perfect Black Friday deal, wrapping gifts for loved ones, and spreading goodwill through charitable donations. But as you dive into the season’s joy, scammers are ready to exploit your enthusiasm. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported a staggering $392 million lost to online shopping scams, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday serving as peak hunting grounds for fraudsters. At Ozark Federal Credit Union, our mission is to empower our members—adults aged 18–65 across Missouri and beyond—to shop with confidence and protect their hard-earned money.
This holiday scam alert is your roadmap to spotting fraud before it strikes. From fake charity drives that tug at your heartstrings to phishing emails that mimic trusted retailers, we’ll uncover the warning signs and share practical strategies to keep your online and in-store shopping secure. Whether you’re a young professional snagging deals during a lunch break or a parent braving crowded stores, we’re here to help you make this season merry, not stressful. Let’s dive into the world of holiday scams and arm you with the tools to stay one step ahead.
Quick Tip: Before you hit “Buy” this Black Friday, take a breath and ask: Does this deal feel too good to be true? A moment of caution can save you from a scam.
Picture this: You’re scrolling through Black Friday ads, heart racing at the thought of snagging a discounted TV or the perfect gift for your kids. Meanwhile, scammers are crafting their own deals—ones designed to steal your money or personal information. The FTC reports a 20% spike in holiday scams during November and December, with non-delivery scams and phishing attacks topping the list. For adults aged 18–65, the holidays are a perfect storm of distractions: tight schedules, pressure to find deals, and a natural urge to give back through charities. Scammers know you’re busy, and they’re banking on you letting your guard down.
What makes this season so vulnerable? The frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday pushes shoppers to act fast, often on unfamiliar websites or in response to urgent emails. Add in the rise of sophisticated AI-powered fraud—like deepfake calls mimicking loved ones—and the risks are higher than ever. But here’s the good news: By understanding the threat, you can shop with confidence. Let’s explore the most common scams and how to spot them before they ruin your holiday.
By the Numbers:
Scammers are clever, but they’re not invisible. By learning the telltale signs of their tricks, you can protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Below, we’ll walk through the most common holiday scams targeting shoppers, with clear guidance on how to spot and avoid them.
The holidays inspire us to give back, but scammers exploit this goodwill with fake charity drives. You might receive an emotional email about a disaster relief fund or a text urging you to help “local families in need.” These pleas often feel urgent, but they’re designed to siphon your money to fraudsters. The FTC noted a 30% surge in charity scams last December, costing generous donors millions.
How can you tell a scam from a legitimate cause? Fraudulent charities often use high-pressure tactics, asking for donations via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Their emails might contain typos or lead to websites that look convincing but lack verifiable details. Instead of falling for the sob story, take a moment to research. Use trusted sites like CharityNavigator.org to confirm a charity’s legitimacy, and always donate directly through their official website. Your generosity deserves to make a real impact, not line a scammer’s pockets.
You’re sipping coffee when a text pops up: “Your Amazon package is delayed—click here to track it.” Or an email from “PayPal” warns that your account is locked. These are phishing scams, designed to trick you into sharing login details or money. Cybersecurity experts at Norton report that phishing attempts double during the holidays, preying on shoppers’ trust in familiar brands.
Phishing messages often mimic retailers or shippers like USPS or FedEx, using urgent language to push you into clicking suspicious links. Look closely: The sender’s email might include odd characters (e.g., amazon-support123@randommail.com), or the text might come from an unknown number. The safest move? Never click links in unsolicited messages. Instead, log in directly to the retailer’s official website or app to check your account or track packages. Reporting phishing to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov can also help stop scammers in their tracks.
Member Tip: Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of protection against phishing attempts.
A 90% off deal on a new PlayStation sounds like a holiday miracle—until the website vanishes with your payment. Pop-up shops and fake retailers thrive during Black Friday, luring shoppers with unreal discounts on hot items like electronics or toys. These sites often lack secure HTTPS connections, have no customer service contact, or feature reviews that feel suspiciously generic.
To avoid falling for these traps, stick to trusted retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target, where you’re more likely to get what you paid for. If you’re tempted by a new site, check its legitimacy using tools like Fakespot.com or search the retailer’s name with “scam” on Google to uncover red flags. A little skepticism can save you from a costly mistake.
Gift cards are a holiday go-to, but they’re also a scammer’s favorite target. Fraudsters tamper with cards in stores, exposing PIN codes to drain funds before you even gift them. Others trick victims into paying for fake services—like “taxes” or “shipping fees”—with gift cards. Last year, gift card fraud cost consumers millions, according to the FTC.
When shopping in-store, inspect gift card packaging for scratches or exposed codes, and buy from locked displays whenever possible. If someone asks you to pay with a gift card for an unexpected fee, it’s a scam—legitimate businesses don’t operate this way. Keep your receipts to dispute issues if a card is drained, and you’ll be ready to give the gift of joy, not regret.
You order the perfect gift, track it eagerly, and… nothing arrives. Non-delivery scams are a growing problem, costing shoppers $148 million in 2024, per the FTC. These scams often start on social media marketplaces or fake websites promising hot items at bargain prices. The red flags? No return policy, no physical address, or pressure to buy “limited stock” immediately.
To stay safe, shop with established retailers or verified sellers on platforms like eBay. Use official retailer apps to track orders, and avoid clicking tracking links from random texts. If a purchase doesn’t arrive, dispute the charge with your credit card company—they’re your ally in recovering funds.
Thanks to advances in AI, scammers can now create eerily convincing fakes. You might get a call from “your grandson” needing emergency funds or an email from “Best Buy” about a fake refund. These scams use AI-generated voices or emails to mimic trusted contacts, tricking you into sending money via untraceable methods like Zelle or cryptocurrency.
If a request feels off, even from a familiar voice, pause and verify. Call the person back using a known number, or check the retailer’s official site for account updates. Report AI scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help protect others. Your instincts are your best defense against these high-tech tricks.
Ozark Federal Insight: Scammers thrive on trust and urgency. Take a moment to verify, and you’ll keep your holidays scam-free.
Online shopping is a lifesaver for busy adults, but it’s also where scammers set their traps. With a few smart habits, you can protect your Black Friday haul and shop with confidence. At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we know our members—millennials, parents, and professionals—juggle packed schedules. These tips are designed to fit seamlessly into your life.
Start with secure payments. Credit cards offer zero-liability fraud protection, unlike debit cards, so use them for online purchases. Set up transaction alerts through your Ozark Federal banking app to catch unauthorized charges instantly. Virtual card numbers, available through services like Google Pay or Privacy.com, add another layer of security by masking your real card details.
When browsing, stick to trusted websites. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser to ensure a secure connection. Major retailers like Amazon or Target are safer bets, but if you’re exploring a new site, check its legitimacy on BBB.org or ScamAdviser.com. Avoid public Wi-Fi for shopping—it’s a hacker’s playground. If you must shop on the go, use a VPN and keep your devices updated with antivirus software like Norton or McAfee.
Monitoring your accounts is crucial during the holiday rush. Check your bank and credit card statements weekly, and sign up for free credit monitoring at CreditKarma.com. For extra peace of mind, freeze your credit at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to block scammers from opening accounts in your name. By staying proactive, you’ll keep your holiday budget safe.
Quick Online Shopping Checklist:Use credit cards and enable transaction alerts.
Shop on secure sites (HTTPS and padlock icon).
Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a VPN if needed.
Monitor accounts and freeze credit pre-holidays.
For many, Black Friday means braving crowded stores for door-buster deals. The thrill of snagging a bargain is real, but so are the risks of in-store scams and theft. Whether you’re hitting the Poplar Bluff mall or a local boutique, these strategies will keep you safe.
Before you buy, inspect high-value items like gift cards or electronics. Scammers often tamper with packaging to access PIN codes or serial numbers, so look for scratches or exposed codes. Buy gift cards from locked displays or directly from cashiers, and save receipts for disputes. In crowded stores, pickpockets thrive—use an RFID-blocking wallet to protect your cards and keep bags secure. Shopping with a friend can help you stay vigilant amid the chaos.
Pop-up shops are common during the holidays, but not all are legit. Ask for a business license or contact info, and search the retailer online for reviews or scam reports. If something feels off, report it to mall security or local police. After your shopping spree, track deliveries through official retailer apps, not random texts. If you’re traveling, hold your mail at USPS.com to prevent porch piracy. These small steps ensure your in-store experience is about joy, not jeopardy.
The best defense against holiday scams is preparation. By building a fraud defense toolkit now, you can shop with confidence and protect your loved ones, too. Start by securing your accounts with strong, unique passwords—12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Change them every six months and use a password manager like LastPass for convenience. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email, banking, and shopping accounts to block unauthorized access.
Monitoring your finances is non-negotiable during the holidays. Check your Ozark Federal accounts daily for unusual activity, and sign up for free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Identity theft protection services like LifeLock offer real-time alerts for added security. If you’re worried about new accounts being opened in your name, freeze your credit—it’s a quick, free step that stops scammers cold.
Don’t keep this knowledge to yourself. Share scam warning signs with family members, especially vulnerable loved ones like grandparents or teens. A quick group chat or holiday dinner conversation can make a big difference. If you spot a scam, report it immediately to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your local police. Your story could save someone else from falling victim.
Your Holiday Defense Toolkit:
Ozark Federal Commitment: We’re here to protect your financial well-being. Visit OzarkFederal.com or call us for personalized fraud prevention advice.
This holiday season, don’t let scammers dim your festive spirit. By recognizing the warning signs of fake charity drives, phishing emails, and other seasonal frauds, you can shop smarter and safer. Use our online and in-store tips to protect your purchases, and build a fraud defense toolkit to stay proactive. At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to empowering our members—adults 18–65 across Missouri—to enjoy the holidays without worry.
Take one step today: Set up a bank alert, verify a charity, or share this post with a friend. Together, we can make this Black Friday about creating memories, not recovering from fraud. Visit OzarkFederal.com for more resources, and let’s make this season merry and secure.
