The 12 Days of Fraudmas: Your Holiday Scam-Prevention Guide
By December 9, 2025 Fraud information
The holidays should be filled with magic, not mayhem. But as online shopping spikes and inboxes overflow, scammers see this season as their chance to shine. That’s why we created The 12 Days of Fraudmas, a festive (yet practical) series designed to help you spot the sneakiest scams making their rounds this time of year.
Each day unpacks a new fraud type, with real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Browse the full list below and click into any Fraudmas post to dive deeper. Stay merry, stay aware, and let’s sleigh these scams together!
Stay Topside by taking proactive steps to protect yourself, and remember - IGNORE the call/text, LOOK UP a trusted number for the business, and REACH OUT DIRECTLY.
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Day 1: Fake Online Stores
Scammers build AI-generated “retailers” that look real—complete with product photos, reviews, and holiday deals too good to be true. You pay… and nothing arrives.
Topics covered: spotting URL tricks, avoiding fake ads, safe payment methods.
Day 2: Package & Delivery Scams
“Your package is delayed—click here!” These fake tracking alerts surge during the holiday rush and can lead to stolen passwords or payment info.
Topics covered: safe tracking habits, carrier red flags, how fake links trick you.
Day 3: Charity Scams
Scammers prey on generosity by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones. AI makes these scams look heartbreakingly legitimate.
Topics covered: how to verify nonprofits, trustworthy research tools, signs a charity is fake.
Day 4: Gift Card Scams
Any time someone asks you to pay with gift cards, assume it's a scam. From fake bosses to fake bill collectors, this remains one of the top holiday fraud tactics.
Topics covered: common scripts, why scammers love gift cards, what to do if it happens to you.
Day 5: Crypto Investment Scams
Deepfake celebrities, fake influencers, “exclusive” holiday crypto deals—‘tis the season for digital deception.
Topics covered: spotting fake endorsements, verifying investors, avoiding high-pressure schemes.
Day 6: Fake Job Offers
Seasonal hiring brings real opportunities—and very fake ones. Scammers use AI-written job ads and instant “interviews” to trick job seekers into paying upfront or sharing personal info.
Topics covered: job posting red flags, checking legitimacy, check-deposit scams.
Day 7: Credit Union & Fraud Department Impersonation
Spoofed calls and texts that appear to come from your financial institution are on the rise. Scammers want your passwords, your codes, and your calm.
Topics covered: what we’ll never ask for, how spoofing works, how to safely confirm activity.
Day 8: AI Deepfake & Voice Scams
AI can now mimic voices—including loved ones. Scammers use emotional urgency (“Grandma, help!”) to pressure victims into sending money fast.
Topics covered: family code words, how voice cloning works, verification steps.
Day 9: Weak Passwords & Account Takeovers
Reused or outdated passwords make holiday hacking easier than gift-wrapping a square box.
Topics covered: password best practices, 2FA tips, how breaches lead to takeovers.
Day 10: Urgent Message Scams
Scammers love panic. Fake alerts claiming account closure, missed payments, or “immediate action required” aim to make you click before thinking.
Topics covered: how urgency tricks the brain, safe verification steps, message red flags.
Day 11: Holiday Phishing Emails
AI-polished phishing emails now look flawless—brand logos, formatting, and messaging all spot-on. One wrong click can compromise your device or accounts.
Topics covered: link hovering, sender verification, common attachment traps.
Day 12: Your Holiday Fraud Survival Checklist
A final wrap-up of the habits, tools, and proactive steps that keep your finances and identity safe all season long.
Topics covered: 12 essential safety actions, digital protections, what to do if you suspect fraud.
Stay safe this season.
Fraudsters are getting sharper, faster, and more tech-savvy—but awareness is your biggest defense. Keep this page handy, share it with family, and check back anytime you need a refresher.
Have questions or think something looks suspicious?
We're here to help—just contact us through our official website or give us a call.
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