The busy festive season is upon us. But as we’re making our lists and checking them twice, scammers are just as busy—and, alas, increasingly inventive.

Consider this. Last year alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams and fraud—up 25% from the prior year.

And while older adults are not the only targets of fraud, they often bear the heaviest losses. In just the first three months of 2025, people over the age of 60 reported more than $745 million in losses—a significant year-on-year increase. And according to a 2024 report to Congress, adults aged 60+ were more than five times as likely as younger adults to report losing Money to a tech support scam. They were nearly three times as likely to report a loss to a prize, lottery or sweepstakes scam, and 53% more likely to say they lost money to a friend or Family impersonation scam.

Why are older adults such a desirable target for scamsters? They often have more accumulated savings than younger people and, in some instances, may be less familiar with constantly evolving fraudulent schemes and new technologies. They may also be more socially isolated and lonely, a vulnerability scammers like to prey on.  

While there’s no shame for falling for a scam (anyone can, no matter their age), awareness is also power. With that in mind, here are four major scam types showing new twists this holiday season.

1. AI-powered bank or impersonation scams

Scammers are using newer technologies—especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools—to make impostor scams much more convincing.

What to watch out for

• A phone call, text or video that looks or sounds like someone you know (grandchild, bank representative, financial advisor). The scammer may say your bank account is compromised and that you need to move money “for your protection.”
• Use of AI-generated voices or deepfakes to mimic family members, trusted professionals or institutions.
• Fake banking websites or apps that look genuine—especially if a phone call directs you to download software or “verify” your account.
• Urgent requests for money, especially outside normal channels. The aim: get you acting quickly, outside your usual oversight.

Holiday twist

With more online shopping and delivery-tracking messages in circulation, scammers embed this context—e.g., they say “we noticed a fraudulent charge in your holiday shopping, press 1” or “your gift-card purchase was declined, verify now.” Because the story fits the season, it feels more plausible.

How to protect yourself

• If you get an unexpected call from your “bank,” hang up and call the official number printed on your statement (not one the caller gave you).
• Never download software or click a link at the instigation of a caller you did not initiate.
• Set up a “family code word” for verifying authenticity: only people who know it should get access to certain sensitive conversations.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your bank, email and other important accounts.
• Regularly review your bank/credit card statements—any odd charges? Report immediately.

2. Fake text messages, “smishing,” and fraudulent websites

Phishing (via email) has long been around—but “smishing” (SMS phishing) and fake online storefronts are playing a bigger role, especially during the fast-paced holiday buying frenzy.

What you might see

• A text message claiming to be from a delivery company: “Your package is delayed – click here to reschedule.” The link leads to a fake site collecting your login/credit card info.
• A social media ad for a “Black Friday mega-deal” or luxury item at an unbelievable price. The site looks legitimate, but the items never arrive—or you give your payment information and the site disappears.
• A “refund” text from your bank: “We noticed an unauthorized charge, click to receive your refund.”
• Fake charity sites urging holiday donations with a sense of urgency or offering “tax deduction” benefits.

Why these are especially dangerous

• People are more likely to click links in a moment of trust—especially when real delivery tracking texts are commonplace.
• Fake sites may mimic familiar brand names but use slightly altered URLs or logos; the user doesn’t always notice. For mobile-screen users, that subtlety is harder to catch.
• In a recent survey of seniors, 62% of people said their scam came via online-shopping sites.

How to protect yourself

• Always type the website URL manually or use a bookmark—don’t click links from texts or social-media ads unless you verify the sender.
• Make sure the website begins with “https://” and shows a padlock icon. If not, it’s not secure.
• Use a credit card for online purchases rather than a debit card or gift card—credit cards generally offer better fraud protection.
• Beware of “too good to be true” offers—even if they seem holiday-themed or time-limited.
• For texts about delivery or shipping: check your account directly (via the vendor’s official site), don’t click the link.
• If you receive a text asking for payment via gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency: stop. That is a red flag. Gift-card payment is a frequent scam method, according to the FCC.

3. Advance-fee and refund-type scams

Another favorite this season involves scammers dangling a refund, prize, or “extra holiday discount” but first asking for a fee—or stealing your payment information under that guise.

What it looks like

• You get a call or text saying: “You’re eligible for a special holiday tax refund or shipping discount—just pay a fee now or verify your account.”
• A webpage will ask: “Enter your bank account to receive the refund.” Once you do, your account is emptied—or a fee is withdrawn.
• Sometimes it comes via gift card payment too: “Pay $50 in gift cards to release your refund.” Gift cards are a big scam currency.
• The scam may be dressed up in holiday language (“holiday bonus,” “gift package refund,” “end-of-year savings”).

Protect yourself by remembering:

• Legitimate refunds don’t require you to pay a fee upfront. If you’re being asked to pay something first, it’s a scam.
• Never purchase gift cards to pay for a refund, tax, or prize.
• If you’re told you need to act immediately, pause, take a deep breath. If you start to suspect a refund or discount offer is bogus, contact the company directly through their official channel—not through the link or number the caller/text message provided.

4. Tech-support and “your device is compromised” scams (with a holiday twist)

Tech-support scams are not new, but the holiday season creates extra cover—new devices, more online shopping, more delivery tracking apps—and scammers are looking to take full advantage.

How it could play out

• You receive a call out of the blue: “This is Microsoft/Apple/Your Internet Provider. We’ve detected a virus on your computer. You must let us fix it now or your  account will be compromised.”
• They may ask you to download remote-access software, which gives them control. Then either they steal data or charge you for “repair.”
• Another variant: You get a pop-up on your computer or phone saying “Your system is locked. Call this number immediately.” The number leads to a scammer.
• The scam may reference your recent purchases, “new holiday device,” “gift card payments,” or “account login from foreign country.”

Protection steps

• If someone calls offering to fix your computer unexpectedly, hang up. If you suspect your system might be compromised, call a tech person you know or the company’s official support line.
• Never grant remote access to your computer unless you explicitly requested it.
• Use up-to-date antivirus software and run regular Security scans.
• Avoid installing software or clicking on unfamiliar pop-ups—even if they claim to be urgent.
• Change passwords on your devices and accounts after any signs of trouble, and be sure to enable MFA.

9 steps for cyber security

As a recap, here’s a basic checklist to reduce overall risk:

1. Pause before you act. A scam often creates urgency. Whether it’s “act now to receive a refund” or “your account is compromised—move money,” stop and think.
2. Verify independently. If you get a message, call the company or person using the official contact details—not the links or numbers given in the message.
3. Use strong passwords + MFA. Make sure your financial, email, and shopping accounts are protected with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
4. Use credit cards (or trusted payment methods) for online shopping. Credit gives you more protection; avoid payments via wire transfer or gift cards for anything questionable.
5. Check the seller. Before buying from a website you don’t know, look for reviews, ensure “https://” is present, and search for complaints.
6. Be cautious with texts or calls about deliveries or shipment issues. If you weren’t expecting something, or the message asks for payment or personal details, it’s most likely a scam.
7. Keep your software updated and avoid unsolicited remote tech help. Don’t let someone you didn’t call control your computer.
8. Talk with your family and friends. Many scams succeed when the person is isolated or not up to date with the latest tactics and schemes used by fraudsters.
9. Report suspected scams. No need for embarrassment if you think you’ve been scammed. (After all, the crooks deserve the blame, not the victim.) Reporting gives law enforcement more data, helps others, and may help recover losses. In the U.S.: report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

In sum, as we scour the internet for those deals and fabulous gift ideas, keep in mind that scammers are all too familiar with the holiday cycle: delivery tracking, gift-card payments, online bargains, new device setups, family communication. They’re adapting with AI, deeper impersonations, and fake websites that feel real. In fact, such schemes have become so invasive that in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre has warned that what used to be called “Black Friday” is fast becoming “Black Fraud Day” as bargain-seekers are targeted by scammers using AI and fake online storefronts.

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