12 Christmas Scams Stealing Your Data Right Now: How to Protect Yourself

The festive season is supposed to be a time of joy, shopping, and family gatherings. But for cybercriminals, it’s the perfect opportunity to exploit holiday shoppers and gift givers. From fake e-commerce websites to phishing emails, criminals are constantly looking for ways to steal your personal data and money. In 2025, these scams have become more sophisticated, using AI tools, fake social media accounts, and convincing payment traps.

This guide will detail 12 Christmas scams actively stealing your data right now, provide real-life examples, expert insights, and actionable tips to stay safe online this holiday season.

Table of Contents

1. AI-Enhanced Delivery Phishing
2. Fake Holiday Deals and E-Commerce Sites
3. QR Code & Quishing Scams
4. Social Media Giveaway & Imposter Ads
5. Fake Charities & Donation Scams
6. Brushing & Unsolicited Package QR Scams
7. Phishing E-Cards and Holiday Greetings
8. Gift Card Fraud & Tampering
9. Holiday Job and Employment Scams
10. Tech Support & Account Takeover Scams
11. Impersonation & Deepfake Family Scams
12. Travel & Booking Scams
13. FAQs About Christmas Scams

1. AI-Enhanced Delivery Phishing

Scammers increasingly use AI to send phishing messages that appear to come from delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, or DHL. These messages claim your package is delayed or could not be delivered and include links to fake websites. Once clicked, your login credentials or payment details are captured.

Real-Life Example: In December 2024, a phishing campaign mimicked UPS notifications and tricked thousands of customers into giving away credit card data. Experts report that AI tools now allow scammers to generate messages that closely resemble official communications, making detection harder.

Expert Tip: Always check the sender’s email or SMS origin and access the courier’s website directly rather than clicking a link.

2. Fake Holiday Deals and E-Commerce Sites

Holiday shopping is prime time for scammers creating fake online stores. These sites offer discounts that seem “too good to be true” to lure customers into entering personal and payment information.

Case Study: During Black Friday 2024, a fake electronics store reportedly stole over $250,000 in customer payments before being taken down. Many of these sites even use AI chatbots to appear legitimate, answering questions and offering fake support.

Expert Tip: Verify e-commerce sites through reviews, official domain checks, and secure payment indicators (HTTPS).

3. QR Code & Quishing Scams

Quishing, or QR code phishing, is a growing threat. Scammers place QR codes in public areas like malls, bus stations, or even inside packages. Scanning these codes can lead to counterfeit websites designed to steal your data.

Stat: Reports show a 35% increase in quishing scams during the 2024 holiday season compared to the previous year.

Expert Tip: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources, and preview URLs before entering sensitive information.

4. Social Media Giveaway & Imposter Ads

Fake giveaways are rampant on social media during Christmas. Scammers create accounts that mimic celebrities or brands and offer “exclusive gifts” or “holiday discounts” to collect personal data.

Example: A December 2024 campaign on Instagram impersonated a major retailer, tricking users into submitting personal info to claim non-existent prizes.

Expert Tip: Verify account badges, look for suspicious URLs, and avoid sharing personal details in social media forms.

5. Fake Charities & Donation Scams

The season of giving attracts fraudsters who impersonate charities or create fake ones. Donations sent to these scams often go straight to criminals, and your personal information is sold or misused.

Stat: In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission reported over $30 million lost to fake charity scams during the holidays.

Expert Tip: Only donate through verified charity websites and check charity databases like Charity Navigator.

6. Brushing & Unsolicited Package QR Scams

Brushing scams involve sending unsolicited packages to strangers to boost fake reviews. Criminals now include QR codes in these packages, leading recipients to phishing websites.

Expert Tip: Never scan QR codes in unsolicited packages. If the sender is unknown, report or dispose of the package safely.

7. Phishing E-Cards and Holiday Greetings

Digital greeting cards are common during Christmas. However, cybercriminals embed malware or phishing links into e-cards.

Case Study: A 2024 phishing campaign involved e-cards claiming to be from family members, but the links led to sites collecting login credentials.

Expert Tip: Confirm the sender and avoid clicking links from unknown sources. Use antivirus software to scan attachments.

8. Gift Card Fraud & Tampering

Gift cards are a popular gift but also a target for scammers. Techniques include tampering with the card’s code, creating fake online sellers, or phishing for gift card numbers.

Expert Tip: Purchase gift cards only from official retailers and immediately scratch off codes in private. Avoid sharing the codes online.

9. Holiday Job and Employment Scams

Seasonal job seekers are vulnerable to fake job postings that request personal information upfront. These scams often promise high pay or easy work but collect sensitive data instead.

Expert Tip: Verify job postings on official company websites or trusted platforms like LinkedIn. Avoid sending sensitive documents before confirming authenticity.

10. Tech Support & Account Takeover Scams

Scammers pretend to be tech support representatives, claiming that your devices are compromised. They then request remote access or credentials to “fix” issues, ultimately stealing sensitive data.

Expert Tip: Never provide access to unknown tech support. Use official support channels for your devices.

11. Impersonation & Deepfake Family Scams

With the rise of AI deepfakes, scammers can impersonate family members or close friends, asking for urgent help or financial transfers. This type of scam is particularly effective during holidays when people are more likely to respond emotionally.

Expert Tip: Always verify requests through a separate communication channel before sending money or sharing information.

12. Travel & Booking Scams

Holiday travelers face fake booking sites, phishing emails, and fraudulent vacation rentals. Scammers target last-minute bookings and steal credit card information or personal details.

Expert Tip: Use trusted booking platforms, confirm bookings with providers, and pay only through secure payment methods.

Table: Summary of Key Scams

Scam Type	Common Targets	How Data is Stolen	Protection Tip
Delivery Phishing	Online shoppers	Login credentials, credit card	Verify sender & access site directly
Fake Deals	Holiday buyers	Payment & personal data	Check reviews & secure site
QR/Quishing	Public QR users	Credentials	Scan trusted QR only
Social Media Giveaways	Social users	Personal info	Check verified accounts
Fake Charities	Donors	Financial & personal info	Use verified charities
Brushing Packages	Unsolicited recipients	Credentials	Don’t scan unknown QR
Phishing E-Cards	Email recipients	Login info	Confirm sender
Gift Card Fraud	Gift buyers	Card codes	Buy official cards
Job Scams	Job seekers	Personal documents	Verify postings
Tech Support	Device users	Credentials & access	Use official support
Deepfake Impersonation	Family & friends	Emotional scams	Verify separately
Travel Scams	Travelers	Payment info	Use trusted platforms

FAQs About Christmas Scams

Q1: How can I spot a phishing email during Christmas?
Check the sender’s address, hover over links to see the URL, and look for spelling mistakes or urgent language.

Q2: Are QR codes safe to scan in holiday stores?
Only scan codes from trusted sources. If uncertain, type the URL directly into your browser.

Q3: What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
Immediately change passwords, notify your bank or credit card company, and report the scam to local authorities.

Q4: Can AI detect scams automatically?
AI can help, but scammers also use AI to craft messages. Always combine AI detection with human vigilance.

The holidays are meant for joy, not stress from stolen identities or financial loss. Being aware of these 12 Christmas scams, following best practices, and staying vigilant online can protect your personal data and ensure a safer holiday season. Remember, scammers evolve every year, but informed users remain the best defense.