December Scam Alerts

The holiday season usually means fun with friends and family, goodwill and giving. Unfortunately, it's also prime time for cybercriminals to perpetrate fraud. Beware during the holiday rush and try not to act impulsively.

Online Shopping Scams

Cybercriminals often bait shoppers with professional-looking ads and websites offering steep discounts on popular items. Many victims receive counterfeit products—or nothing at all. AARP advises consumers to avoid deals that seem too good to be true and to purchase only from trusted retailers, preferably using credit cards for added protection.

Delivery Scams

Fraudulent emails and texts impersonating UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service about incoming or missed deliveries often lead recipients to fake sign-in pages or malware-infected sites.

Gift Card Scams

Scammers frequently steal gift cards from store racks, collect the card information, and then return them. Once the cards are purchased, the scammer drains the balances immediately. AARP recommends buying gift cards directly from retailers or behind-the-counter displays.

Preventing Holiday Package Theft

“Porch pirates” steal millions of packages each year, costing Americans billions of dollars. AARP encourages consumers to use delivery alerts, request signature confirmation, and consider secure pickup options. Neighbors can also work together by watching each other’s deliveries.

For holiday travelers, USPS, FedEx, and UPS all offer vacation holds to keep packages secure until residents return home. AARP also urges communities to stay informed through resources such as Nextdoor.com, Crime Stoppers, and social media updates from local law enforcement.

Airline Call Center Scams

With holiday travel increasing, scammers are using fake airline customer service numbers that often appear at the top of search engine results. These fraudulent numbers trick travelers into paying unnecessary fees or sharing financial information.

Downloading the official airline app is the safest way to access verified customer service numbers and receive real-time updates. AARP reminds travelers that legitimate airlines typically do not charge for rebooking canceled flights, and any pressure to make fast payments is a major red flag.

Spot Fake Charity Donation Scams

December is the peak month for charity fraud. Scammers create convincing fake organizations or mimic the names of well-known nonprofits. AARP advises consumers to avoid donations requested via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and to research charities using trusted sites such as give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org.

It is safest to donate directly through a charity’s verified website and to use a credit card for additional protection. Preparing a personal list of trusted charitable organizations can help consumers avoid last-minute pressure and unsolicited requests.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips consumers of all ages with tools to spot and avoid scams. Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity can call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with trained fraud specialists at no cost.

For more resources and weekly scam updates, visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network online at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.