The Christmas season brings out the best in people, generosity, celebration, and a little bit of chaos! Unfortunately, it also brings out the worst in cybercriminals. While most of us are decorating, shopping, or trying to wrap up the year at work, threat actors are clocking in for one of their busiest seasons. They know we’re distracted, rushed, and spending more money than usual. And they take full advantage of it.
If it feels like scams spike every December, that’s because they do. Let’s walk through what these digital grinches are up to this holiday season and how you can keep yourself and your business safe.
Why the Holidays Are Prime Time for Scammers
Cybercriminals love December for the same reasons it stresses us. People shop nonstop online. Email inboxes overflow. Packages show up on the porch daily. Employees take vacations. Businesses scramble to close out the year. All of this creates the perfect environment for mistakes and scammers wait patiently for them.
They rely on speed, urgency, and emotion. When you’re tired, distracted, or feeling generous, it’s much easier for a fake email (phishing) or text (smishing) to slip past your usual caution.
The Sneakiest Holiday Scams Making the Rounds
One of the biggest tricks this time of year is the fake delivery notification. You might get a text saying your package couldn’t be delivered, or an email that asks you to reschedule shipping. Since everyone expects packages during December, people click without thinking. That single click often leads to malware or a phishing site designed to steal your credentials.
Phishing emails also get a festive makeover. Scammers send fake e-cards, charity requests, “holiday bonuses,” or gift exchanges. They use cheerful designs and warm language to lower your guard. Once you click, they have what they need.
Fake online stores explode during the holidays too. Cybercriminals know shoppers are hunting for deals on popular gifts, so they spin up websites with massive discounts. The site looks real, the products look real, the checkout works but the store is fake! Victims end up with counterfeit products or nothing at all, and many times, their credit card information gets stolen in the process.
The Trickery Continues…
Gift card scams also skyrocket. Attackers often impersonate bosses, coworkers, pastors, or family members, asking for urgent help buying gift cards. They usually claim they’re in a meeting and can’t talk, hoping you’ll act quickly without verifying.
Let’s not forget fake charities. Cybercriminals create websites or messages that mimic real nonprofits, hoping to catch generous donors who want to help during the season of giving.
Travelers also fall victim. Fake flight confirmations, bogus rental listings, and fraudulent hotel booking sites often catch people who are rushing to finalize holiday plans.
And for businesses, December is peak season for fraudulent invoices and payment redirection. Attackers spoof vendors, send last-minute “updated banking information,” or slip fake invoices into overloaded email queues. With fewer staff in the office, these scams become harder to catch.
How Individuals Can Stay One Step Ahead
A little caution can go a long way. Start by slowing down. The holidays already make everything feel urgent; scammers just add to that pressure. If you receive a message that pushes you to act immediately, trust your instincts and take a second look.
Instead of clicking links in texts or emails about packages, open the official app or type the website address yourself. If the message was legitimate, you’ll find the information there.
Stick to trusted websites when you shop. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Look for signs of legitimacy: a real return policy, clear contact information, and secure checkout.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card whenever possible. Credit card companies offer much better fraud protection, and your bank account remains safe.
If you’re shopping or checking emails on public Wi-Fi, like in an airport or cafe, avoid entering personal information unless you’re connected to a VPN. Attackers often target holiday travelers using unsecured networks.
And no matter WHO emails you about gift cards, always verify! A quick phone call can save you from losing hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Finally, check your financial accounts regularly throughout December. The sooner you notice unusual activity; the sooner you can stop it!
How Businesses Can Stay Protected During the Holiday Rush
Businesses need a holiday game plan too. Start by reminding employees about the rise in phishing, invoice fraud, and fake requests during December. A quick refresher on what to watch for can prevent a costly mistake.
Make sure to use MFA everywhere. Password theft and credential phishing spike during the holidays, and MFA blocks most unauthorized access attempts.
Patch your systems and software before everyone disappears for holiday break. Unpatched systems invite attackers in when no one is watching.
With employees traveling or out of the office, monitoring becomes even more important. Set up alerts for unusual login attempts, large file downloads, and changes to financial settings.
Finance teams should use strict processes for major payments. Require verification before approving banking changes or invoices; especially those that arrive unexpectedly at the end of the year. Attackers depend on rushed approvals.
Lastly, ensure someone monitors systems even when the office is quiet. This is the season when “silent attacks” slip through the cracks.
Keep the Season Merry and Secure
Cybercriminals may work overtime during Christmas, but you don’t have to make their job easy. A little awareness, a few precautions, and a healthy dose of skepticism will protect both your home and your business.
Stay warm, stay alert, and enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season, without letting the scammers steal any of the magic!