Holiday scams aren’t new, but the tactics in 2025 are faster, smarter, and harder to spot. Scammers don’t need advanced tools to trick you. They rely on panic, distraction, and false trust to get what they want.

At CrafTech, a cyber security company in Broomall, PA, we help people and businesses see how these threats have changed. We dig into where the real risks are and how to stay ahead of them. You won’t catch every scam, but with the right approach, you can avoid the ones that do real damage.

Here are the most dangerous holiday scams we’re seeing now and how they’re changing in ways you might not expect. 

Key Takeaways

• Scammers are using AI and fake apps to create shopping traps that look more real than ever.
• Fake shipping alerts, support numbers, and cart emails are deceiving even the most careful shoppers.
• Holiday scams aren’t just about stolen credit cards anymore, they’re targeting your data, devices, and trust.

AI-Driven Review Scams Are Fooling Shoppers

Scammers are using AI to create fake reviews that appear genuine. These reviews often fill a product page in a short burst, all sounding upbeat and vague. They trick people into buying low-quality items or never getting what they ordered.

Many of these fake reviews convey the same message in various ways. They might discuss fast shipping or claim a product is amazing without providing specific details. If you notice a sudden surge of reviews with a similar tone, pause and double-check before making a purchase.

Gift Card Traps Are Spreading Fast on Resale Sites

Fake listings for discounted gift cards are appearing on resale platforms. Many of these cards are already used or were stolen before being sold. Scammers know people are rushing to grab last-minute gifts during the holidays.

Once the money is gone, there’s usually no way to get it back. Trusted retailers and official sites offer better protection and real customer support. If a deal looks too good or lacks buyer protection, skip it.

Fake Abandoned Cart Emails Are the New Scam Trap

Hackers are now copying real store emails to send fake abandoned cart messages. These messages often appear genuine and may list items you have recently viewed, pulled from leaked data.

Familiar Branding Makes the Scam Look Legit

Scammers copy store logos, colors, and formatting to fool the eye. Subject lines often sound urgent, making the email feel like a normal reminder. Some include your name and product history to build trust.

Fake Links Lead to Credential Theft

Links inside the email typically direct users to pages that resemble genuine login or checkout screens. These fake forms steal your passwords or payment info without warning. In some cases, they redirect to a real website to avoid raising red flags.

Spotting Safe Emails During Spam Season

Type the store’s web address yourself instead of clicking email links. Check for suspicious senders or grammatical errors in the message. Stay alert, especially during the holidays, when spam emails tend to increase.

Are Fake Order Confirmations a Real Threat?

Yes, fake order confirmations are a real threat, and they are growing fast during the 2025 holiday season. Scammers send emails or texts that look like real receipts from Amazon, Target, or Best Buy. These messages push a track package link that leads to stolen logins or hidden malware.

Busy shopping habits make these scams easy to believe and hard to catch. People see a surprise receipt and click before slowing down, which gives attackers an edge. A cyber security company in Broomall, PA, helps reduce this risk through stronger defenses and employee awareness.

Want help spotting fake order confirmations before they cause harm? Partner with the cyber security experts at CrafTech to protect your business and your data.

Fake Pop-Up Wi-Fi Is Catching Holiday Shoppers Off Guard

Some hackers are setting up fake Wi-Fi near busy malls and holiday markets. These networks appear to belong to nearby stores but are actually designed to steal your data. Once you connect, everything you do online could be tracked or redirected.

The names of these networks often mimic real ones with slight modifications. That makes it hard to tell which option is safe. Once you’re in, scammers can grab passwords, payment details, or even trick your phone into loading fake checkout pages.

Protect Your Data With the Help of Our Cyber Security Company In Broomall, PA

Holiday scams are evolving faster than most people realize, and the risks go far beyond fake charges. It only takes one click to open the door to serious damage. CrafTech helps you shut that door and keep it locked tight all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What holiday scams should I watch out for this year?

Scammers are using fake apps, AI-generated reviews, and spoofed order confirmations to steal personal and payment info. Many of these look nearly identical to real brands and websites, making them harder to spot.

Can clicking a fake tracking link infect my device?

Yes, fake tracking texts and emails often contain malware or phishing links. Clicking on one can give hackers access to your accounts or install harmful software without your knowledge.

Why are public Wi-Fi networks risky during holiday shopping?

Hackers set up fake Wi-Fi networks near stores and markets to intercept your data. If you connect without checking, you could hand over login info, credit card numbers, or other private details.