Original publish date: 1st December 2022

Last updated: 19th December 2025

12 Scams of Christmas: A guide to avoiding scams this festive season

With the festive season fast approaching, it's also the time of year where Christmas scams are on the rise. Scammers take advantage of holiday geneand the rush to shop online, targeting people with deceptive offers, fake websites, and fraudulent messages.

Understanding the 12 scams of Christmas can help you protect your personal information, finances, and loved ones while enjoying a safe holiday season.

What is a Christmas scam?

A Christmas scam is any attempt by fraudsters to trick you into giving away personal or financial information, purchasing fake goods, or sending money to illegitimate sources. These scams can take many forms, from online shopping fraud to phishing emails, and even fake charities. By recognising the warning signs, you can prevent fraud before it spoils your festivities.

12 scams of Christmas to watch out for

1. Fake shopping websites

Fake websites are one of the most common Christmas scams, particularly during peak shopping periods like Black Friday and the run-up to Christmas Day. Scammers replicate well-known retailers, copying logos, layouts, and product imagery to appear legitimate. Once a purchase is made, victims may either receive nothing at all or unknowingly hand over payment details.

How to spot it:

• URLs that closely mimic real brands but contain extra characters or misspellings

• Poor grammar, missing contact details, or vague returns policies

• Requests for payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrency

Always double-check the website address and search for independent reviews before buying.

2. Gift card payment scams

During Christmas, scammers often request payment in gift cards, claiming it’s the only accepted method or part of a limited-time offer. Gift cards are untraceable and irreversible once redeemed, making them ideal for fraudsters. This type of scam often works because it targets people who are rushed, distracted, and eager to secure gifts quickly.

How to spot it:

• Legitimate retailers, charities, and organisations will never ask you to pay using gift cards. If you’re asked to do so, it’s almost certainly a scam. 

3. Holiday booking scams

Holiday booking scams spike during Christmas as people plan festive getaways or gift travel experiences. Fraudsters advertise fake flights, accommodation, or holiday packages at heavily discounted prices to lure victims into paying upfront.

How to spot it:

• Deals that seem far cheaper than competitors

• Pressure to pay immediately

• No ABTA or ATOL protection

Always book through reputable providers and pay with a credit card for added consumer protection. Check out our handy guide to learn more about how to avoid holiday scams.

4. Delivery and ‘missed parcel’ scams 

With online shopping at its peak, delivery scams, also known as smishing, become increasingly convincing. Victims receive texts or emails claiming a parcel couldn’t be delivered and are asked to click a link or pay a small fee. This type of scam works by the person on the receiving end of the message clicking the link provided, which may then install malware or lead to a fake site designed to steal your personal details.

How to avoid it:

• Never click delivery links in messages

• Log into the retailer’s official website or courier portal directly

5. E-card and festive email scams 

Festive e-cards can sometimes hide malicious attachments or links. While many digital cards are harmless, scammers exploit the seasonal goodwill by disguising malware as Christmas greetings.

Protect yourself by:

• Avoiding attachments from unknown senders

• Confirming with friends or family before opening unexpected e-cards

• Using up-to-date antivirus software

6. Fake social media ads

Social media platforms are fertile ground for Christmas scams, especially through sponsored ads. Fraudsters promote heavily discounted products that either don’t exist or are poor-quality counterfeits.

Red flags:

• Brand-new pages with limited posting history

• Disabled comments or fake-looking reviews

• High shipping fees that offset “huge discounts”

• Stick to trusted retailers and verify offers on official websites before purchasing

According to research conducted by the Better Business Bureau, 40% of online shopping scams come from Facebook and Instagram ads, so it is important to be aware of the signs.

7. Seasonal job scams

As people look for extra income during Christmas, scammers target job seekers with fake seasonal roles. These scams often promise high pay for minimal work and request personal or banking details early in the process.

What legitimate employers won’t do:

• Hire you without an interview

• Ask for upfront fees

• Request bank details before contracts are signed

To be safe, always ensure you thoroughly research the company and trust your instincts if something feels off.

8. Fake charity appeals

Christmas is a time of generosity, but scammers exploit goodwill with fake charity appeals via email, social media, or even in person.

How to donate safely:

• Check the charity’s registration number

• Donate directly through official websites

• Avoid pressure tactics or emotional manipulation

A genuine charity will always welcome transparency and questions. We don’t want to put people off donating to charities at Christmas, but it’s important to do your research and make sure the charity you’re donating to is legitimate. Search the charity register on the UK government website to determine if the charity is real.

9. Suspicious Christmas apps

Santa trackers, festive games, and Christmas countdown apps can sometimes be deceptive. Some collect excessive personal data or include hidden in-app purchases that children may accidentally trigger.

Reduce risk by:

• Reviewing app permissions carefully

• Reading verified app store reviews

• Supervising children’s app usage

Digital safety is an important part of protecting your family at Christmas. It’s also a good idea to start educating your children about home security and internet safety as soon as possible.

10. AI voice and impersonation scams

One of the fastest-growing Christmas scams involves AI-generated voice cloning. Scammers impersonate family members, claiming to be in distress and urgently needing money.

How to protect yourself:

• Set a family “safe word”

• Hang up and call the person directly

• Never act on panic or urgency alone

These scams are designed to bypass logic through emotional manipulation, so always trust your gut and have family discussions around this topic ahead of time.

11. Fake product listings for sold out items

When must-have toys or tech sell out, scammers create fake listings offering “limited stock” at bargain prices. Victims often only realise the scam when the item never arrives.

Spotting fake listings:

• No physical address or contact details

• Recently registered websites

• Poor-quality product images

Always stick to established retailers or verified marketplaces whenever possible, and that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

12. Christmas loan and finance scams

Financial pressure and emotional vulnerability often peak during the festive season, making loan and finance scams more common at Christmas.

Christmas loan scams typically promise fast approval, low interest rates, or “guaranteed” loans with no credit checks. Scammers may ask for upfront fees or personal details before releasing funds. Legitimate lenders will never request payment in advance or pressure you into quick decisions. Always check the FCA register before taking out a loan.

Finance scams tend to increase at Christmas, particularly targeting people who feel lonely during the holidays. Scammers build trust through dating apps or social media before inventing emergencies and asking for money, gift cards, or financial help.

Stay safe by:

• Never sending money to someone you haven’t met

• Avoiding urgent financial requests tied to emotional stories

• Verifying identities and refusing to share banking details

Taking time to pause, verify information, and speak to someone you trust can help you avoid these harmful Christmas scams. For a list of authorised loan companies and valuable advice on steering clear of fraudulent investments, visit the official FCA website.

Stay protected this Christmas

While staying alert online is essential, protecting your home is just as important during the festive season. With valuable gifts inside and households often left unattended during visits and holidays, having a reliable home security system can provide extra peace of mind. SimpliSafe offers easy-to-install, award-winning home security with optional professional monitoring, helping protect what matters most all year round. Contact our team today to find out more about SimpliSafe’s security solutions and enjoy a safer, more secure festive season.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas scams

What are the most common Christmas scams?

Some of the most common Christmas scams include fake shopping websites, delivery text scams (smishing), gift card fraud, phishing emails, fake social media ads, and romance or loan scams. These scams often increase during the festive season as shoppers rush to buy gifts or manage extra expenses.

Why do scams increase at Christmas?

Scammers take advantage of the busy, emotional nature of Christmas. People are more likely to shop quickly, click links in delivery messages, respond to urgent requests, or overspend. This creates ideal conditions for fraudsters to exploit trust, urgency, and distraction.

How can I avoid Christmas scams online?

To avoid Christmas scams, only shop with trusted retailers, double-check website URLs, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, and never share personal or banking details with unknown contacts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Are delivery scams common at Christmas?

Yes. Delivery scams are one of the most common festive frauds. Scammers send fake messages claiming a missed delivery and ask for personal details or payment. Always track parcels through official retailer or courier websites rather than clicking on links in messages.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a Christmas scam, contact your bank immediately, change any compromised passwords, and report the incident to Action Fraud. Acting quickly can help limit financial damage and prevent further fraud.