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Holiday Scams You Need to Watch Out For

As the holiday season approaches, many consumers will be actively searching for the best deals and keeping track of their deliveries. However, amidst this festive shopping frenzy, cybercriminals are stepping up their game, deploying increasingly sophisticated scams aimed at taking your money. Bolster AI, a leader in artificial intelligence-driven brand protection, recently highlighted the top seven scams to be aware of in 2025. Below are the specifics on what you should look out for this holiday season.

The Rise of Cybercrime During Holidays

With an alarming surge in cyber threats during the holiday season, Bolster's latest threat intelligence indicates that phishing scams have surged dramatically. Recent data revealed an 118% increase in phishing attempts around Thanksgiving and a staggering 229% spike on Black Friday alone. Overall, there was a 128% increase in phishing activity this holiday season compared to 2024. Therefore, being aware of potential scams is more crucial than ever.

Seven Scams You Should Be Cautious Of

1. Delivery Notification Scams

Fraudsters are impersonating trusted carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Amazon by sending fake messages about missed deliveries or customs fees, aimed at stealing your payment info. A clear warning sign is the 105.8% surge in these scams reported this November compared to last year.

2. Fake Online Stores

Shoppers may come across enticing ads for online stores boasting 60-90% off on premium brands. These sites often vanish after collecting credit card information from unsuspecting consumers.

3. Smishing Attacks

Fraudulent texts demanding payments or offering tracking information have become prevalent. SMS is more trusted than emails, with predictions showing a 122% increase in smishing scams this November.

4. QR Code Fraud

Scammers have taken to embedding malicious QR codes in flyers and mailers. These codes redirect users to phishing websites while bypassing traditional URL filters.

5. Gift Card Schemes

These scams often promise holiday bonuses, enticing victims to buy gift cards as a form of payment. A 14.5% increase in such scams is projected this November.

6. Fake Charity Appeals

Exploiting the spirit of giving, scammers craft heart-wrenching stories urging you to donate. Statistics suggest these scams could rise by 38% in comparison to last year.

7. Seasonal Job Scams

Oftentimes, fraudulent job postings request sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or bank details, or demand upfront fees for training that doesn’t exist.

Tips for Staying Safe This Holiday Season

To minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams, Bolster AI recommends the following precautionary measures:

• - Verify Links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, check the carrier's official app or website directly.
• - Question Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If an offer looks impossible, it probably is. Premium brands rarely discount prices dramatically.
• - Preview QR Codes: Always check the URL before scanning a QR code to ensure it leads to a legitimate site.
• - Avoid Gift Cards for Business Transactions: Legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards.
• - Review URLs Carefully: Scammers often set up fake sites that resemble real companies, so hover over links to verify their authenticity.

Bolster AI’s Approach to Cybersecurity

Bolster AI plays an integral role in combating these threats by protecting enterprises from external digital risks. From detecting phishing attacks to preventing brand impersonation, Bolster’s AI-powered platform offers accurate monitoring across various channels to eliminate potential scams before they impact customers. This powerful technology keeps leading financial services, technology companies, and consumer brands safe in an increasingly perilous digital landscape.

As the season of shopping commences, both consumers and brands must stay vigilant against evolving cyber risks. Visit Bolster's official website to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your business during the holidays.