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The Rising Threat of Scams During Holiday Shopping Season

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are often enticed by attractive deals and festive promotions. Yet, with these enticing shortcuts come increased risks, as highlighted in the recent 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report. Norton, a leader in cyber safety, warns that the urgency of holiday shopping can open doors for scammers, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud.

According to the report, a staggering 62% of Americans confess to making impulsive purchases upon encountering holiday deals online. This impulsivity, combined with heightened online shopping activities, can make individuals targets for cybercriminals. In fact, more than half of the respondents—54%—have bought items through social media ads, which represents a notable increase of 10% from the previous year.

The Role of Social Media and AI

In an era where digital platforms dominate, shoppers find themselves increasingly relying on social media for gift ideas and promotions. A significant 50% of holiday shoppers use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube as digital gift guides. However, lurking behind these seemingly helpful tools are risks, with over 50% of detected scams originating from fake online shops and misleading ads on social media.

The advent of artificial intelligence is also reshaping the shopping landscape. The report indicates that around 38% of Americans intend to use AI tools like ChatGPT for generating gift suggestions this year, especially among millennials, where this figure jumps to 55%. Yet, trust remains a significant concern, as a large majority—62%—express their fear of falling victim to AI-generated scams.

Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research at Norton, emphasized, "As consumers opt for convenience through AI and social media, scammers are equally adapting. Just like hiding a spare key under the doormat, the habits people often underestimate are the ones making them highly vulnerable."

The Psychologically Pressuring Nature of Holiday Shopping

The urgency of holiday shopping can diminish a shopper's caution. 35% of Americans admitted to taking more risks during the festive season. This risk-taking mentality is particularly pronounced among younger individuals; for instance, 70% of millennials reported a willingness to engage in unconventional and potentially dangerous shopping behaviors. This includes clicking on dubious social media ads (42%), purchasing from unknown sellers (28%), and even buying counterfeit items (16%).

However, such actions carry serious implications. Alarmingly, 31% of Americans have encountered holiday shopping scams, with more than 51% of those affected ultimately falling victim. Bilge notes that "scammers exploit pressure, distraction, and emotional decision-making, all of which peak during the holiday season. They thrive on consumers being busy, stressed, and hurried. The moment you let your guard down, they are ready to strike."

Tips for Safer Holiday Shopping

As technology continues to evolve and transform holiday shopping experiences, the attack surface for scammers expands. Norton recommends adopting vigilance while shopping online this holiday season. Norton 360, featuring AI-powered Scam Detection alongside Norton VPN and Norton Mobile Security, aids in shielding shoppers from scams by blocking fraudulent websites and ads while keeping personal information secure.

For those looking to navigate the holiday season without falling victim to scams, Norton urges consumers to take a moment to pause, validate sources, and ensure their devices are secure. For more tips and detailed guidance on safer shopping practices, visit Norton’s blog.

Conclusion

The holiday season can be a joyous time, but with the rise of digital shopping comes the need for increased awareness to protect against scams. As consumers indulge in the allure of holiday deals, it is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about the potential risks associated with online shopping. By fostering awareness and utilizing proper security measures, shoppers can enjoy a safer and more secure holiday shopping experience.