Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out for in 2024
Every holiday season, online shopping scams spike dramatically. Cybercriminals know that people are buying more, moving faster, and paying less attention to red flags. In 2024, the scams have gotten more sophisticated — and more convincing. Here's what to watch for.
Fake Retailer Websites
Scammers create convincing fake versions of popular retailers, often with URLs that are close but not identical to the real thing (think 'amazon-deals.com' or 'bestbuy-holiday.net'). They advertise heavily discounted items, collect your payment, and either send nothing or send a cheap counterfeit. Always verify you're on the official website before entering payment information — type the URL directly rather than clicking ads or links.
Package Delivery Scams
During the holidays, most people are expecting packages. Scammers send fake delivery notifications via email or text, claiming your package couldn't be delivered and asking you to click a link to reschedule. The link leads to a phishing page designed to steal your credentials or payment information. If you receive a delivery notification, go directly to the carrier's website and enter your tracking number there — don't click the link in the message.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
If a deal seems impossibly good — a $1,200 laptop for $200, a sold-out item available at a random website — it almost certainly is. Scammers use artificially low prices to attract buyers who are in a hurry and not thinking critically. Stick to established retailers, and if you find a deal on an unfamiliar site, research it thoroughly before buying.
Protecting Your Payment Information
For holiday shopping, I recommend using virtual card numbers if your bank offers them — they limit exposure if a merchant is compromised. At minimum, use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases, as credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. And if you're shopping on public Wi-Fi (at a mall, airport, or coffee shop), use a VPN to protect your payment data in transit.
Bottom Line
The holiday season is the most active time of year for online shopping scams. A little extra skepticism — verifying URLs, being cautious about deals that seem too good, and protecting your payment information — goes a long way toward keeping your money safe.