Every holiday season brings joy, celebration, and connection — but it also brings a surge in online scams. Cybercriminals know this is the time of year when people are distracted, spending more money, and more trusting than usual. And in 2026, experts warn that holiday‑related fraud may reach its highest levels yet.
With online shopping continuing to grow, AI‑powered impersonation tools becoming widely accessible, and charitable giving peaking during the holidays, scammers have more opportunities — and more advanced technology — than ever before.
Holiday Fraud Is Rising — Fast
The numbers from last year paint a clear picture of what’s ahead:
- The FBI reported over $503 million lost to non‑delivery and non‑payment scams in 2025.
- Credit card fraud added another $282 million in losses.
- The FTC recorded $15.9 billion in total fraud losses — a 32% increase from the previous year.
These aren’t small jumps. They’re signals that cybercriminals are scaling their operations, automating attacks, and using AI to make scams more convincing.
The Scams You’ll See Everywhere This Holiday Season
Fake Online Stores & Counterfeit Products
Scammers create professional‑looking websites offering steep discounts on popular holiday items. You place an order, your card gets charged, and either nothing arrives — or you receive a cheap counterfeit.
Phishing Emails Disguised as Holiday Greetings
Malicious “holiday e‑cards,” fake shipping updates, and festive‑looking emails trick people into clicking infected links or entering login credentials.
Fake Charities Exploiting Seasonal Generosity
Fraudsters impersonate real nonprofits or invent new ones, using emotional holiday messaging to solicit donations that never reach the people in need.
Package‑Delivery Text Scams
With millions of packages in transit, scammers send fake “delivery issue” texts that lead to credential theft or payment fraud.
Social Media Gift Exchanges
These “send one gift, get ten back” posts are almost always pyramid schemes designed to harvest personal information.
AI‑Generated Impersonation Scams
Deepfake calls, emails, and even video messages impersonate family members, coworkers, or charities. AI makes these scams far more convincing than anything we saw even two years ago.
Why You’re More Vulnerable During the Holidays
The holidays create the perfect storm for fraud:
- You’re busy and distracted. Shopping, traveling, hosting, planning — scammers rely on rushed decisions.
- You’re expecting packages and deals. They know you’re waiting for shipping updates and hunting for discounts.
- You’re donating more. The season of giving becomes the season of exploitation.
- You’re traveling. Airports, hotels, and public Wi‑Fi increase exposure to impersonation and payment‑interception scams.
Cybercriminals don’t just rely on technology — they rely on human behavior. And during the holidays, our guard naturally drops.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season should be a time of celebration, not stress. By understanding the scams that are coming — and why they’re increasing — you can protect yourself, your family, and your business from becoming part of next year’s statistics. Next post we’ll look into Part 2 of our Blog Series: Online Shopping Scams & How to Stay Safe While Buying Gifts
How Green Monkeys Studio Helps You Stay Safe This Season
A secure holiday season starts with strong digital habits and trusted technology partners. At Green Monkeys Studio, we help small and medium‑sized businesses protect their websites, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, and educate their teams on modern threats — including AI‑driven scams that are becoming more common every year. Whether you need a safer website, better authentication flows, or guidance on protecting your customers during the busiest shopping season of the year, we’re here to help.
Call Green Monkeys Studio at (206) 551‑6177 or book a free consultation. Let’s make sure your business — and your customers — stay protected this holiday season.