FBI Issues Holiday Scam Warning for Online Shoppers

As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the FBI has issued a warning to consumers to remain vigilant against online scams.

In a post on X, the agency urged, “Don’t let #holiday excitement cloud your judgment! Always verify the legitimacy of online retailers and be cautious with unsolicited offers.”

The FBI highlighted the risks associated with holiday scams, which target thousands of shoppers every year.

“Scammers can rob you of hard-earned money, personal information, and, at the very least, a festive mood,” the agency warned on its website. With holiday shopping increasingly shifting online, the FBI is reminding consumers to stay cautious and informed.

The agency identified four common types of scams that tend to spike during the holiday season:

1. Non-delivery scams: When consumers pay for goods online but never receive the items they purchased.
2. Non-payment scams: When sellers ship items but never receive payment from the buyer.
3. Auction fraud: When a product is misrepresented on an auction site, leading consumers to receive items that differ from their descriptions.
4. Gift card fraud: When scammers ask consumers to use pre-paid gift cards as payment, which are difficult to trace and often result in financial loss.

According to a 2023 report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-payment and non-delivery scams cost consumers over $309 million last year, while credit card fraud added another $173 million in losses.

The holiday season, with its influx of shopping activity, provides scammers with a prime opportunity to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

To help consumers protect themselves, the FBI has outlined several preventative measures:

• Be cautious with links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or advertisements, as they may lead to phishing sites or malware.
• Verify legitimacy: Ensure you are buying from reputable sellers by checking reviews, ratings, and official websites.
• Be careful with payment methods: Avoid using unconventional payment methods like pre-paid gift cards, and opt for secure methods like credit cards that offer fraud protection.
• Track your purchases: Keep track of your packages and the addresses associated with your orders to ensure items are delivered correctly.
• Stay skeptical of deals: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

The FBI also advised shoppers to be wary of any unexpected requests to change passwords or provide personal information. Scammers often use urgency or appealing offers to trick individuals into divulging sensitive data.

“When shopping online during the holiday season—or any time of year—always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true,” the FBI emphasized. By staying informed and cautious, consumers can protect their finances, personal information, and holiday spirit.