Why Fraud Spikes in the Holidays

The holidays blend online shopping, travel planning, gift giving, and a sense of urgency, and scammers take advantage of this combination.

A significant number of scams now start on social media, where fraudulent ads and cloned online shops advertise deals that do not exist. Norton’s report shows that over 40% of reported scams originated on social media.

This is also the time of year when shoppers are most distracted. That distraction leads to more impulsive clicks, rushed purchases, and less scrutiny of unfamiliar websites or “limited time” offers.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch for in 2025

• Fake Online Stores: Scammers create websites that mimic real retailers, complete with logos, product photos, and “holiday blowout” sales. These sites often disappear once orders are placed.”
  
• Phishing Messages: Fraudulent texts or emails claim there is a delivery issue, a missed package, or a problem with an order. These messages often link to a page designed to steal login credentials or payment information.
  
• Gift Card Payment Requests: Scammers posing as legitimate organizations (or even people) sometimes demand gift-card payments. Once the card number is shared, the funds are nearly impossible to recover.
  
• Social-Media Holiday Deals: Fraudsters use sponsored posts to push “too good to be true” offers. These scams are most effective during the holidays, when deals are expected and shoppers are moving quickly.
  
• Charity and Donation Scams: Fraudsters set up fake charities or impersonate real nonprofits to take advantage of holiday giving. These scams often use urgent appeals and convincing branding to collect donations that never reach the intended cause.

How to Stay Safe This Season

• Shop Through Trusted Channels: Go directly to retailer websites rather than clicking links in ads, posts, or messages, and verify URLs are spelled correctly.
  
• Slow Down Before You Click: Be skeptical of unexpected shipping alerts, deal notifications, or requests for personal information.
  
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid sending money to unknown individuals or using payment methods that are hard to trace (wires, gift cards, or apps you don’t recognize).
  
• Monitor Your Accounts Frequently: Check your card and account activity regularly and report suspicious transactions right away.
  
• Verify Charitable Organizations: Use official sites and contacts to confirm legitimacy before donating.

The TRB Safety Advantage

Texas Regional Bank encourages safe online habits and only uses secure banking software to help protect your information. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from TRB, contact us directly. We will help verify the message and help guide you on the next steps.

The holiday season should be a time to enjoy family, friends, and community. A few simple precautions can help keep your money and personal information safe.

If you have questions about a suspicious message or transaction, reach out to “the people you know” at TRB. We’re here to help.