If you think Christmas scams are the same old fake emails and dodgy links, 2025 may prove you wrong. This holiday season, scammers have levelled up. Powered by AI and automation, Christmas scams are now more convincing, more emotional, and far more difficult to detect than before.
Security researchers at Check Point say they flagged more than 33,500 Christmas-themed phishing emails in just two weeks. On top of that, over 10,000 fake holiday ads are being created every day across social media platforms. Many of these look like genuine festive offers from well-known brands, while others pretend to be delivery alerts, charity appeals, or limited-time Christmas giveaways.
What makes this year different is how real everything looks. Scammers are no longer sending badly written messages filled with spelling mistakes. Instead, AI is helping them write clean, polished emails and texts that closely copy the tone and style of real companies like Walmart, Home Depot, FedEx, and UPS.
The most successful scam this Christmas is fake delivery messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp. These messages claim a parcel has been missed or delayed and ask users to click a link to fix the issue. The links lead to cloned websites designed to steal login details or card information. Researchers say these delivery scams have doubled compared to last year.
Another growing threat is fake online stores offering “Christmas mega deals.” These websites look professional, complete with product listings, checkout pages, confirmation emails, and even tracking numbers. Some even use AI-powered chatbots to answer customer questions, making them feel trustworthy until money is taken and nothing arrives.
Social media is also a major hunting ground. Fake giveaways on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok claim users have won Christmas prizes but ask for a small “shipping fee.” Most of these scams come from brand-new accounts created just weeks earlier, often copying real brand logos and names.
So how can you protect yourself? Experts say urgency is the biggest red flag. Messages that push you to act fast, pay immediately, or claim you’ve won something are designed to make you panic. Always check website links carefully, avoid paying via gift cards or crypto, and never share personal details unless you started the conversation yourself.
This Christmas, the biggest gift you can give yourself may be slowing down. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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