Holiday Season Fraud Prevention Tips

A man gives a young girl a piggyback ride while a woman stands beside them, all smiling outdoors on a winter street decorated with lights.

The holidays bring joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations—but they also create opportunities for fraudsters. With shopping, travel, and gift-giving at their peak, scammers know people are distracted and vulnerable.

During this busy season, it’s easy to overlook warning signs. That’s why staying alert is essential. From fake shopping sites to phishing emails, fraud attempts remain a threat during the holidays, targeting both individuals and businesses.

With a few simple precautions, however, you can ensure a safer holiday season. To help, here are some scams to watch for—and tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Avoid Online Purchase Scams
Online shopping surges in December as people hunt for gifts and last-minute deals. Scammers exploit this by creating fake websites or product listings that appear legitimate but are actually designed to steal your payment information.

How to stay safe:

Check for “https” in the web address—a sign that the page is secure—before entering personal info.
Research unfamiliar sellers and confirm their legitimacy by checking online reviews.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—they usually are.

Taking a moment to pause and verify before you click “buy” can help protect your money—and ensure your holiday gifts arrive as planned.

2. Watch Out for Crypto ATM Scams
A newer scam involving cryptocurrency ATMs is on the rise. Scammers know emotions run high during the holidays, and they can exploit this vulnerability by creating urgency—claiming you owe money or have won a prize—to pressure you into sending funds via a crypto ATM.

Red flags include:

Requests to deposit money into an account you don’t own.
Pressure to keep a transaction secret or lie to a bank teller.
A sense of urgency designed to rush you.

Remember: No legitimate business or government agency will demand payment through a crypto ATM.

3. Beware of Fake Invoice Scams
During the holidays, many businesses are short-staffed and focused on year-end tasks—making them prime targets for fraud. One common scam? Fake invoices that look urgent and convincing. Such bills are designed to pressure companies into payment before the legitimacy of the supposed expense can be verified.

Protect your business by:

Confirming payment changes directly with vendors—always call them at a trusted phone number, not the one listed in an unexpected email or invoice.
Watching for typos, unusual amounts, or urgent requests in the invoices you receive. Such mistakes and language can be a red flag.

If something about an invoice seems off, a quick phone call to your business’s vendor can prevent a costly mistake and keep your holiday operations running smoothly.

Your Best Defense Is Vigilance
Throughout the holidays, a little extra caution can go a long way. Scammers thrive on distraction and urgency, but with a little caution—like avoiding suspicious websites, questioning unusual requests, and verifying payment details—you can keep your finances and personal information secure.

Remember, if something feels off, it probably is. At Byline, we’re committed to helping you celebrate safely. If you encounter anything suspicious or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (773) 244-7000. Together, we can ensure your holidays remain joyful, stress-free, and protected from fraud.

For more tips on staying safe year-round, visit our Fraud Prevention page.