The holidays are a time for cheer, connection, and giving, but unfortunately, they are also prime time for cybercriminals. Every year, scammers take advantage of busy shoppers, distracted employees, and increased online activity to launch new and sophisticated attacks.
As we head into the 2025 holiday season, here are some of the top scams to be aware of and tips to keep your business and employees safe.
1. Fake Online Stores and Gift Scams
Cybercriminals know that people are hunting for deals in November and December. They create realistic-looking websites offering “too good to be true” discounts on popular products like electronics, toys, and luxury brands. After you enter your payment details, you may receive a counterfeit item or nothing at all.
What to do:
Double-check the website’s URL (look for spelling errors or extra characters).
Avoid making purchases from social media ads that seem suspicious.
Use trusted retailers or payment methods that offer fraud protection.
2. Phishing Emails Masquerading as Delivery Notifications
Fake “delivery problem” or “package tracking” emails from UPS, FedEx, or Amazon are one of the most common holiday scams. These messages often include links that lead to malicious websites designed to steal credentials or install malware.
What to do:
Hover over links before clicking to verify the sender’s domain.
Go directly to the shipping provider’s official website to track your package.
Report suspicious messages to your IT team or email provider.
3. Charity and Donation Scams
The season of giving is also the season of taking for some scammers. Fraudulent charities pop up during the holidays, using emotional appeals to encourage donations that never reach their intended recipients.
What to do:
Verify organizations through sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
Donate directly through official charity websites, not through links in emails or social media messages.
4. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a favorite among scammers. Some pose as coworkers or executives asking employees to purchase cards for “holiday gifts” or “client thank-yous,” while others post fake online marketplaces to sell cards that are already drained.
What to do:
Always confirm gift card requests through a direct conversation or verified phone number.
Purchase cards only from reputable retailers and check the balance before use.
5. Fake Shipping Invoices or Vendor Scams (Targeting Businesses)
Businesses also face an uptick in invoice fraud during the holidays. Attackers send fake vendor invoices or pose as legitimate partners requesting urgent payments before year-end.
What to do:
Require multi-person approval for financial transactions.
Verify vendor account changes with a known contact.
Train employees to recognize social engineering and spoofing attempts.
6. Holiday-Themed Phishing and Social Engineering
From fake eCards to “holiday bonus” notifications, cybercriminals use festive themes to trick users into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.
What to do:
Be skeptical of unexpected attachments or links.
Encourage employees to verify internal communications before taking action.
Remind your team that legitimate HR or finance messages will never request credentials or gift card codes via email.
Protect Your Business This Holiday Season
Scammers are getting more creative each year, and with the rise of AI-generated content, fake websites and messages are harder than ever to distinguish from legitimate ones.
That is why proactive cybersecurity awareness and strong protections are essential year-round, but especially during high-risk periods like the holidays.
If you are looking to ensure your team and technology are prepared, RCS Professional Services can help. From phishing simulations and employee training to advanced security monitoring and data backup solutions, we help businesses stay protected and resilient, no matter the season.
