Holiday lights are blinking across the country, yet warning signals flash just as brightly. Fake delivery texts, phony charities, and scammers using artificial intelligence to clone voices have turned the holiday season into a feeding ground for some of the most aggressive fraud tactics targeting Americans. Law enforcement, consumer watchdogs, and financial institutions agree on one thing: no one is immune.

Capital One has tracked a surge in scams that appear legitimate at first glance. In one version, criminals impersonate associates and claim a customer’s credit card has been compromised. Victims are told their card needs to be collected for testing. Soon, a courier arrives, takes the card, and drains the account. According to Capital One officials, the bank will never dispatch anyone to a residence to retrieve a card.

Other schemes targeting customers include impostors posing as legitimate charities. They pressure donors and may change payment amounts when people give in person. Capital One recommends verifying charities through credible evaluation sites and reviewing payment screens closely.

Criminals exploit the online shopping rush. Fraudsters build fake websites and social media storefronts, offer unrealistic discounts, and fail to deliver goods. Some sites use fraudulent checkouts to steal money and personal data. Capital One urges consumers to research businesses and verify reviews before purchasing.

Consumer Affairs tracks nationwide patterns—misleading social media ads lure people into buying products that never arrive or signing up for hidden subscriptions. Online purchase scams are among the country’s most dangerous, according to the latest BBB Scam Tracker analysis.

Consumer Affairs also reports pyramid-style social media gift exchanges returning, promising multiple gifts for one. These illegal exchanges harvest personal data from participants and contacts.

Holiday-themed apps aimed at children are another tool scammers use. Some hide advertising and tracking functions; others conceal malware behind festive graphics.

AARP Research finds that the risk extends well beyond social media. Nearly nine out of ten adults in the United States say they have been targeted by or experienced some form of scam. Its latest survey shows that thirty percent of adults have had packages stolen from their doorsteps. It also shows sharp increases in money sent to strangers through peer-to-peer platforms and a rise in fraud linked to social media ads. AARP notes that 46% of adults made purchases through social media in the past year, but only half understood that ads are often untrustworthy.

Gift card fraud remains widespread. AARP says a third of adults gave or received empty gift cards due to theft. Thieves tamper with retail cards, record their numbers, and drain funds after purchase.

Additionally, Morgan Stanley warns that package delivery scams escalate sharply in December. Criminals send text messages or emails urging people to click links to track packages, update delivery preferences, or pay new shipping fees. Clicking the link can install malware or direct victims to fraudulent forms requesting personal information. Even delivery notices posted on doors may be fake, so the firm advises people to double-check delivery claims on verified shipper websites.

Gift card scams have taken new forms as well. Morgan Stanley officials recommend that if you receive an urgent request for gift cards from someone claiming to be a relative or company official, always call the person directly at a known, trusted number before purchasing or sending any gift cards.

The Better Business Bureau has cataloged a long list of holiday traps, ranging from fake toll-collection texts to fraudulent Advent calendar promotions and counterfeit luxury goods. It confirms that online purchase scams were among the top reported dangers last year. The BBB continues to warn consumers that payment requests via gift cards or wire transfers are immediate red flags.

The FBI has issued its strongest holiday warning. The bureau reports AI has accelerated nearly every scam type. In seven months, more than nine thousand AI-related complaints were filed. Criminals use cloned voices, fake IDs, and fabricated videos to impersonate loved ones and public figures. “Talk to your families. Protect each other from scams,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

Experian’s latest guidance echoes the call for vigilance. The organization specifically advises consumers to avoid clicking any links in unsolicited messages and to always track packages through carrier websites entered manually. Experian also reminds shoppers to cover their cards at payment terminals to protect against skimming and to avoid using public wi-fi networks when conducting financial transactions, as these can compromise sensitive information.

Mastercard notes even experienced shoppers fall for sophisticated schemes. Its global survey found nearly half of consumers would ignore red flags if a discount was attractive or a rare item was available. The company’s research shows fraud is expanding, as criminals use generative artificial intelligence to create convincing fake ads and trick consumers into entering financial information.

As Americans race to finish shopping, wrap presents, and prepare for family gatherings, experts say the most effective protection remains caution. Verified websites, traceable payments, skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, and refusing to act under pressure can help keep thieves at bay.

“While you’re focused on finding the perfect gift, Mastercard is working behind the scenes to keep your transactions safe,” Alissa Dr. Jay Abdullah, deputy chief security officer for Mastercard, said on the company’s website. “Our goal is simple: make sure your holiday shopping is secure so you can focus on what matters most.”