Holiday Scams for Seniors to Avoid

Holiday Scams to Watch for in 2025: What Every Senior Should Know

The holiday season should be a time for connection, not concern. Unfortunately, scammers see it as an opportunity. Each year, the number of online scams increases during November and December, and seniors are often the primary targets. Scammers know many older adults are shopping online, donating to charities, or helping family members from a distance.

Understanding how these scams work is the best defense. Here are the top five holiday and Black Friday scams to be aware of this year, and how to stay safe.

 
1. Fake Charities
Scammers take advantage of generosity during the holidays by creating charities that sound legitimate. They may call, email, or send social media messages requesting donations. The names often resemble well-known organizations, which makes them hard to spot. Before you give, check the charity’s name at charitynavigator.org or bbb.org. Real charities will never rush you or ask for gift cards.

2. Online Shopping Scams
Many seniors shop online for gifts and convenience. Scammers know this and create fake websites that look nearly identical to real stores. They post ads offering deals that seem too good to be true, and once you pay, the product never arrives. Always type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser rather than clicking on links in emails or ads. Use a credit card instead of debit or payment apps for added protection.

3. Phishing and Fake Delivery Notices
Around the holidays, inboxes fill up with order confirmations and package updates. Scammers take advantage of that. They send realistic-looking emails or texts claiming to be from UPS, Amazon, or FedEx, with links asking you to confirm an order or delivery. Clicking those links can steal personal or financial information. Before responding, go directly to the company’s official website or app to check your real orders.

4. Travel Scams
As more seniors plan trips or family visits, scammers advertise fake travel deals, airline tickets, and vacation rentals. They often require upfront payment or ask for information they can later misuse. Always book travel through verified sites or trusted travel agents. If the deal seems unusually cheap or requires wire transfers, it is likely a scam.

 
5. Gift Card and Payment Scams
Scammers frequently ask victims to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, claiming it is faster or part of a limited-time offer. Once the numbers are shared, the money is gone. Legitimate businesses will never ask for payment this way. If someone insists on it, stop immediately and talk to someone you trust before sending anything.

 
Black Friday Scams
Black Friday brings its own wave of scams. Fake shopping sites, counterfeit coupons, and fraudulent “doorbuster” ads flood social media. The FBI reports that thousands of temporary domains appear just before Thanksgiving, designed to mimic major retailers. Always go directly to the retailer’s real website, not a link in an ad or email. When in doubt, close the message and start fresh from the company’s verified page.

How to Stay Safe This Season

• Pause when a deal seems urgent. Scammers want you to act before you think.
• Verify websites and email senders carefully. Look for misspelled names or web addresses.
• Never share credit card or bank details through links in messages.
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money or gifts online.
• If you are unsure, ask for help. That one pause could save you thousands.
   
  A Message from Tech Helpers
  At Tech Helpers, we help seniors across Northeast Ohio feel confident and secure using technology. Our Scam Smart Workshops and one-on-one sessions teach practical skills for spotting scams, protecting devices, and reporting fraud safely.

If you would like your senior community to host a workshop or if you need help checking a suspicious email or website, call 216-245-7092.

Stay generous, stay informed, and stay safe this holiday season.