The FBI has issued a warning to consumers about the growing risks of holiday-related scams in 2024. With cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated tactics and online shopping continuing to grow, more opportunities exist for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting consumers than ever before. The FBI’s warning comes against the backdrop of record-setting online shopping activity.
With holiday e-commerce sales projected to exceed $260 billion this year, scammers have more opportunities than ever to target victims. Fraudsters are deploying advanced techniques such as AI-generated fake websites and realistic phishing emails to trick even the most careful consumers. Younger shoppers are particularly at risk.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, individuals aged 18 to 39 are 25% more likely to fall victim to online shopping scams than older adults. These shoppers, who rely heavily on e-commerce platforms and social media ads, often encounter scams disguised as unbelievable holiday deals. The financial stakes of holiday scams are staggering.
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost $10 billion to various scams, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Among these, non-delivery scams accounted for $73 million in losses, as consumers paid for goods that never arrived. Gift card fraud, another common tactic, drained $148 million from victims, leaving them with no recourse to recover their money.
FBI advice for safe holiday shopping
The emotional toll is just as significant. Victims often report feelings of stress, anxiety, and betrayal, especially during the holidays when finances and trust are paramount.
Falling for a scam can disrupt the festive spirit and cause long-lasting financial hardships. The FBI’s advice to consumers is straightforward: vigilance is your best defense against holiday scams. They urge shoppers to verify website URLs, ensuring it begins with “https” and includes a padlock icon in the address bar.
This helps ensure that the data entered is encrypted and harder for scammers to intercept. It’s crucial to type the retailer’s URL directly into the browser instead of clicking links in emails or ads to avoid being redirected to fraudulent sites. Unrealistic discounts and deals are major red flags.
Massive markdowns on high-demand items can create urgency, leading shoppers to skip basic precautions like verifying the legitimacy of the seller. Slowing down and critically evaluating deals helps counteract the emotional manipulation scammers rely on. The FBI emphasizes using credit cards rather than gift cards or wire transfers, as credit cards allow consumers to dispute unauthorized charges and often provide fraud monitoring services.
Payments made through gift cards or wire transfers are nearly impossible to recover once sent, which is why scammers frequently demand these methods. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, consumers can better protect themselves from becoming victims of holiday scams.
