Scams have become an unwelcome fixture in modern life, and the holiday season only seems to amplify their reach. Criminals, ever opportunistic, use this time of year to prey on unsuspecting consumers, turning a season of goodwill into a playground for deceit. From phishing emails that mimic government agencies to fraudulent texts and robocalls, scams have taken on a pervasive role. According to a recent report from the AARP Fraud Watch Network, these schemes peak during the holidays, aiming to exploit the generosity and busyness of the season.
A survey conducted for the report reveals the sheer scope of holiday-related fraud. An astonishing 82 percent of respondents reported encountering at least one form of scam in the past year. The tactics varied, ranging from fake charity solicitations to bogus delivery notifications and online shopping traps. Among older adults, the numbers were nearly identical, with around 80 percent experiencing fraud attempts last holiday season. This highlights a troubling reality: scammers target people across age groups, leaving few untouched by their efforts.
Adding to the concern, the survey’s fraud knowledge quiz exposed a lack of preparedness among consumers. Only 28 percent of participants correctly answered seven or more of the 10 true-or-false questions, underscoring a critical gap in awareness and education about scam prevention. AARP’s fraud prevention director noted two disheartening trends: not only is fraud becoming more prevalent, but the public’s ability to recognize and combat these schemes remains stagnant. This troubling dynamic calls for increased consumer education and stronger safeguards against fraudulent activities.
The survey also shed light on specific fraud tactics dominating the holiday season. More than half of respondents reported receiving fake notifications from delivery services, a significant increase from the previous year. A quarter had packages stolen directly from their doorsteps, while over a third encountered scams tied to online shopping or fraudulent donation requests. Even travelers weren’t immune, with 12 percent reporting fraud incidents while booking trips. Gift card scams emerged as a major issue, with nearly 30 percent of participants revealing they had either given or received cards that had been drained of value—a clear sign of tampering or digital theft.
Amid this surge in scams, consumers expressed frustration with the lack of legislative action to protect them. A striking 90 percent of respondents called for lawmakers to take more aggressive measures to address fraud. Gift card scams, in particular, were cited as a growing problem, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to drain card balances. As the holiday season approaches, these findings serve as a crucial reminder for shoppers to remain vigilant, verify messages and transactions, and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal and financial information.
