How to Recognize Holiday Related Fraud and Scams
Centennial, Colo. – The holiday season brings an increase in consumer spending and a corresponding role in scam activity. The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) shares clues to avoid falling into the scammer's traps.
There has been a significant increase in holiday scams over the past five years causing a record consumer loss in 2024 and that is projected to be higher in 2025. This is driven by online shopping, sophisticated impersonations as well as fake delivery tactics. Ninety percent of adults targeted by some type of fraud have gone up seventy-five percent since 2021. Criminals frequently exploit not only the high volume of online shopping, but charity giving and package deliveries intended to defraud individuals and businesses.
There are clues to the scams that can keep you safe and avoid the traps.
Fake Online Stores and Flash Sales
Scammers create fraudulent websites and social media ads offering high demand items at unrealistic prices. Some clues to look for include:
- No customer service contact information.
- Poor website design.
- Payment required through gift cards, Zelle, Venmo or crypto.
- URL may be slightly misspelled or nonstandard.
Package Delivery and Tracking Scams
Scammers send phishing emails or text messages to people claiming a package is delayed or needs address verification. Some clues to look for are:
- Delivery notices for orders that people did not place.
- Links from the delivery company directing people to enter personal or financial details.
- Texts from an unknown number claiming to be a delivery company.
Charity and Donation Fraud
Scammers impersonate well-known charities or create fake ones, especially during December giving campaigns. Some clues to look for are:
- High pressure donation tactics.
- Donations to be paid via wire transfer or gift card.
- Charities with no online history or inconsistent information.
Gift Card Scams
Scammers ask people to purchase gift cards as payment for a fake debt, overdue bill or emergency assistance. Some clues to look for are:
- Caller claims to be law enforcement, utility company or a family member.
- Caller demands secrecy or urgency.
- Caller requests gift card numbers and PINs over the phone.
Holiday Employment Scams
Scammers post fake job openings to lure applicants into sharing personal information or paying upfront fees. Some clues to look for:
- The interview is conducted only through messaging apps or they don’t require an interview.
- Scammers ask the person to pay for training or supplies prior to employment.
- Listing offers unusually high pay.
All Coloradans are encouraged to report suspicious activity, fraud attempts or emerging scam patterns to the Colorado Information Analysis Center through our website. Timely submission of information strengthens our shared awareness and supports statewide prevention and law enforcement efforts.
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The Colorado Information Analysis Center is an office within the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The mission of the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) is to serve as the focal point within the state for receiving, analyzing and sharing threat-related information among private sector, local, tribal and federal partners.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Safety. The division’s mission is to lead and support Colorado's effort to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from all hazards events with a vision to create a prepared, safe and resilient Colorado.
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