Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Holiday scam alert 2025: Experts warn of rising online threats
As the 2025 holiday shopping season begins, experts are warning about a rise in online scams.
Scammers are using AI and other advanced tools to create fake stores, fake customer service chatbots, and targeted ads that look real.
They are also sending fake delivery notifications and using smishing (text-based phishing) and QR codes to trick people.
Other scams include fake auctions and requests for gift card payments.
To stay safe, experts advise researching sellers, avoiding suspicious links, and using secure payment methods like credit cards.
Scammers are using AI and dark web fraud kits to create convincing fake stores and customer service chatbots.
Fake delivery notifications impersonating carriers like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and the US Postal Service are on the rise.
Over 1,000 fraudulent e-stores offering deep discounts on name-brand products appear daily.
Smishing (text-based phishing) and QR code traps are becoming more common, redirecting users to fraudulent sites.
Consumers are urged to research unfamiliar sellers, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use secure payment methods.
- Who
- Consumers and small business owners in the US
- What
- Increased online scams during the 2025 holiday shopping season
- When
- Early months of 2025, with a spike in November
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Scammers are using advanced technologies like AI and dark web fraud kits to create convincing scams
- Primary Category
- CRIME
- Secondary Category
- Cybercrime
- Tertiary Category
- Online Scams
- Quaternary Category
- Holiday Shopping
- Scam Types
- Fake delivery notifications, counterfeit online stores, smishing, QR code traps, auction and gift card scams
- Scam Tools
- AI, dark web fraud kits, fake storefronts, fake customer service chatbots, targeted social media ads
- Scam Prevention Tips
- Research unfamiliar sellers, avoid clicking suspicious links, use secure payment methods like credit cards
- Scam Increase
- Over 1,000 fake e-stores crop up daily, significant increase in fake delivery alerts in November