Holiday Shopping Scams: How to Spot fake deals, delivery texts, and gift card tricks
The scam may show up before the gift does.
It could look like a shipping update, a limited-time sale, a message from a familiar retailer or a gift card request from someone you trust. During the holiday season, scammers often count on people being busy, distracted, or eager to grab a good deal before it disappears.
Before you click, pay, or share information, pause and verify. A few extra seconds can help you avoid fake websites, suspicious messages, and payment tricks that may put your money or personal information at risk.
Why Holiday Scams Often Start Early
Holiday scams do not wait until December. Many start as soon as people begin browsing for gifts, comparing prices, and ordering online. Scammers may use fake websites, social media ads, emails, text messages, or online marketplace listings to make an offer look real.
The goal is often to create urgency. You may see messages that say an item is almost sold out, a deal is ending soon or a package cannot be delivered unless you act right away.
Scams work best when people feel rushed. That is why one of the best habits is also one of the simplest: pause before you respond.
Fake Deals and Lookalike Shopping Websites
Online shopping scams often begin with a deal that seems too good to miss. A website may advertise a popular item at a very low price, use professional-looking photos, or copy the branding of a well-known retailer.
Lookalike websites can be especially convincing. The web address may be only slightly different from the real company’s website, or the page may include logos, product images, and checkout pages that seem legitimate.
Before you buy, check the website address carefully. Look for misspellings, unusual domain names, limited contact information or return policies that seem vague. Instead of clicking through an ad, email, or text message, search for the retailer directly and visit the official website.
Package Delivery Texts and Email Scams
Package delivery scams are common during the holidays because many people are waiting on orders. A scam message may say there is a problem with your delivery, a package is being held or you need to pay a small fee before an item can be released.
These messages often include a link to a fake website that asks for personal or payment information. Some may also ask you to download an attachment or sign in to an account.
If you receive an unexpected delivery message, do not click the link right away. Go directly to the retailer’s website or the shipping company’s official website and enter your tracking number there. If you do not recognize the order, treat the message with caution.
Gift Card Payment Requests
Gift cards can be a popular holiday purchase, but they are also commonly used in scams. One major warning sign is anyone asking you to pay a bill, fee, fine or purchase with a gift card.
Scammers like gift cards because once the card number is shared, the money can be difficult to recover. They may pretend to be a business, government agency, utility company, online seller, or even someone you know. They may ask you to buy a gift card and send a photo of the back of the card or read the numbers over the phone.
Legitimate businesses and agencies will not require payment by gift card. If someone says a gift card is the only way to pay, pause and verify before taking another step.
Use the Pause and Verify Rule
A simple rule can help you shop more safely during the holidays: pause and verify.
Pause before clicking a link, responding to a message or entering payment information. Scammers often rely on quick reactions, especially when the message feels urgent.
Verify the source before moving forward. Go directly to the company’s website, use a trusted phone number or check your order confirmation from the retailer. Do not rely on links, phone numbers, or contact information provided in a suspicious message.
This habit can help you slow down in the exact moment scammers want you to rush.
Monitor Your Accounts During the Season
Holiday shopping can mean more transactions than usual, which makes it especially important to review your accounts regularly. Online and mobile banking can help you monitor activity and spot purchases you do not recognize.
Keep records of your orders, confirmation numbers, and tracking details. This can make it easier to tell the difference between a real shipping update and a suspicious message.
If you notice a transaction that does not look right, contact your financial institution as soon as possible.
What to Do If Something Seems Suspicious
If something feels off, do not click, pay, or share more information. Stop and check the source first.
If you believe you shared personal or financial information with a scammer, take action quickly. Contact your financial institution, change passwords on affected accounts and continue monitoring your transactions. You may also need to report the scam to the appropriate consumer protection resources.
The sooner you respond, the better chance you have of reducing potential damage.
Shop With More Confidence Before the Holiday Rush
Holiday shopping should not come with added financial stress from scams. By slowing down, checking links, questioning unusual payment requests, and monitoring your accounts, you can shop with more confidence before the busiest part of the season begins.
Mid Carolina Credit Union offers financial education resources, fraud prevention information, online banking, and mobile banking tools to help members stay informed and monitor account activity.
Before you start checking off your holiday shopping list, remember the rule: pause before you click, pay, or share information, and verify before you move forward.
Ask About the Touchdown Personal Loan
Mid Carolina Credit Union’s Touchdown Personal Loan is available through the end of 2026 and offers rates as low as 6.99% APR for qualified borrowers. Funds can be used for home improvements, family travel, debt consolidation, unexpected costs, seasonal expenses, or other personal needs.