10 Ways Scammers Will Try to Steal From You This Holiday

Shopping online is convenient, but it’s also full of traps waiting to snag you if you’re not paying attention. Scammers are smarter than ever, and their tricks can be sneaky enough to fool even the most cautious shopper. A killer deal, a harmless pop-up, or a friendly email could easily be their way of getting your money or personal info.

The truth is, if you’re not careful, you could end up losing more than you bargained for. Knowing what to watch for is your best defense. These scams are out there, and it’s time to shop smarter.

Fake Charity or Crowdfunding Scams

When something big happens—like a disaster or the holiday season—it’s natural to want to help. Unfortunately, scammers know this and take advantage by creating fake charities or crowdfunding pages that tug at your heartstrings. They’ll ask for donations, but your money ends up in their pockets, not with those in need.

Before you donate, take a minute to research. Look up the organization, check for reviews, and stick to well-known platforms like GoFundMe or established charities.

Free Trials That Aren’t So Free

“Try it for free!” sounds great, right? But some companies use free trials to rope you into a subscription without making it obvious. One minute you’re testing out a product; the next, you’re seeing charges on your card every month. It’s annoying and feels like a total scam.

Take a second to read the fine print before signing up. Look for anything about recurring payments or tricky cancellation rules. If it feels too complicated, skip it.

Sketchy Marketplace Deals

Shopping on eBay or Facebook Marketplace can be awesome—until a scammer gets involved. Some sellers push you to pay through sketchy methods like wire transfers, and once you send the money, they disappear. No item, no refund, just frustration.

Stick with secure options like PayPal that protect you if something goes wrong. And if a seller insists on an untraceable payment method, trust your instincts and walk away.

Tricky Pop-Up Payment Scams

Those random pop-ups that tell you to “verify your purchase” or promise an extra discount? Total scams. They’re designed to look legit, but their real goal is to swipe your payment info or personal details. Clicking on them can lead to all kinds of trouble, from stolen credit card numbers to infected devices.

Play it safe—close those pop-ups right away and clear your browser’s cookies for good measure. And remember, no real store is going to ask for your payment info through a pop-up.

Fake Delivery Notifications

Getting a text or email about a “problem” with a package delivery can feel urgent, but don’t fall for it. These scams use fake links to trick you into giving up personal info or payment details. The websites look official, but they’re just set up to steal from you.

Always go straight to the source. Use the retailer’s website or your shipping provider’s tracking tool to check on deliveries. If a message feels off, trust your gut and don’t click the link.

Sketchy Social Media Ads

You’re scrolling through Instagram, and boom—an ad for the perfect trendy gadget pops up. It’s cute, it’s cheap, and it’s just what you didn’t know you needed. But here’s the thing: a lot of these ads are scams. You place your order, and poof—they ghost you, leaving you empty-handed.

Before you get sucked in, do a little digging. Check out the company’s website, Google their name, and look for real customer reviews. If they’re nowhere to be found or seem shady, just keep scrolling.

Suspiciously Perfect Reviews

You know those reviews that sound a little too good to be true? Like, “This changed my life!” or “Best product ever, hands down!” Yeah, those are often fake. Scammers post these glowing reviews to make their sketchy sites or products seem legit.

Keep an eye out for reviews that feel overly generic or overly positive. Real feedback usually includes the good, the bad, and the “meh.” If something seems fishy, double-check reviews on trusted platforms before handing over your money.

Too-Good-to-Be-True Discounts

Massive discounts on expensive gadgets or products are a classic trap. When that $500 device is marked down to $50, it’s usually a red flag. Scammers use these deals to grab your attention and convince you to pay quickly. Once you’ve handed over your money, the product either doesn’t show up, or it’s nothing like what you expected.

Knockoff Products Disguised as Real Deals

Snagging luxury goods at a fraction of the price might sound exciting, but it’s rarely legit. Counterfeit items are everywhere, especially online, where flashy photos and low prices are used to reel you in. Often, what you get is a cheap knockoff—or worse, nothing at all.

To avoid this, stick to official brand websites or authorized sellers. It’s worth paying a little more for quality and peace of mind, especially if you’re investing in something that’s meant to last.

Emails Pretending to Be Retailers

Scammers are sneaky, and phishing emails are one of their favorite tricks. These messages are designed to look like they’re from your go-to stores, tempting you with unreal deals or urgent account alerts. The goal? To get you to click on a link and hand over your personal info like passwords or payment details.

Always be cautious. Check the sender’s email address—it’s often a dead giveaway. If something feels off, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website to verify any offers or issues.

Fake Online Stores

Imagine finding an online shop with deals that seem almost magical. The site looks professional, but it’s a total scam. You place an order, and not only does the product never show up, but now the scammers have your payment info.

Before you buy, dig a little deeper. Look for verified reviews, a secure payment method (make sure the URL starts with “https”), and legit contact details.