Festive Fraud Trends: What To Watch Out For

Fraud increases sharply during the festive season. The combination of busy shopping, increased travel and higher levels of online activity creates an ideal environment for criminals. Recent reports show that pre-Christmas fraud is not only more common this year but is also becoming more sophisticated.

Rising Use of Automated Attacks

Security analysts have observed that fraud campaigns, like the shopping itself, begins earlier each year. Activity starts well before the traditional peak sales period and often involves automated tools. Criminals use bots to attempt account logins, check stolen passwords from data breaches or generate false transactions. This makes detection more difficult and allows scammers to operate at scale.

Account Takeover and Fake Sellers

Account takeover remains a major issue. Once criminals gain access to an existing online account, they can make purchases, redeem loyalty points or change delivery addresses. Alongside this, there has been a rise in fake online shops, especialy on social media platforms.  These websites often advertise prices that are significantly lower than those offered by legitimate retailers. Customers then discover that no goods arrive and that they have handed over their personal information, 

Phishing and Delivery Scams

Phishing messages increase during the Christmas shopping period. Fraudsters send texts, emails or social media messages claiming that there is a missed delivery, a parcel fee to pay or an issue with an order. These messages often appear genuine and use the logos and language of trusted delivery companies. The aim is to encourage quick reactions that result in people entering their personal or banking information.

Amazon Warning: Fake Delivery Alerts and Holiday Deals

Amazon has issued a fresh warning about a surge in scams impersonating the company during the festive season. Criminals are sending fake delivery updates, order problems and account verification emails that closely resemble real Amazon messages. These scams are effective because they match what customers expect to receive at this busy time of year.

Once a recipient clicks on a fraudulent link, scammers may be able to steal login credentials or payment information. Amazon advises customers to avoid clicking links, check their real Amazon account directly through the app or website, and report fraudulent messages to Amazon using the company’s scam reporting email. Anyone who believes they have entered sensitive information should change their password, enable two-factor authentication and contact their bank if payment details were involved.

How To Stay Safe

A few simple steps can reduce risk:

• Only shop with trusted retailers and avoid deals that seem unusually low
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible
• Check bank statements and account activity during the shopping period
• Be cautious of messages that ask for personal details or unexpected payments
• Avoid clicking links in delivery alerts unless you have verified the sender
• If something feels rushed, pressured or out of the ordinary, take a moment to double-check before acting

Festive fraud is preventable. Staying alert and taking time to verify information can help avoid significant financial loss during the busiest time of the year.

How AJC Can Help

AJC supports organisations in managing financial crime risks through robust fraud prevention frameworks, training, and customer awareness strategies. Our team helps businesses strengthen resilience, identify vulnerabilities, and protect customers from evolving online threats.

Contact us on 020 7101 4861 or email us at info@ajollyconsulting.co.uk if you think we can help.

Sources:

TechRepublic. Holiday fraud trends and cyber threats. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-holiday-fraud-trends-2025/ 

Yahoo Finance UK. Bank warning about spike in purchase scams. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/bank-warns-spike-purchase-fraud-000100636.html 

Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland. Consumer alert on Christmas scams. https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-warns-consumers-be-alert-scams-christmas 

Cybersecurity Girl cybersecuritygirl@g.kajabimail.net Subject: Amazon just issued a warning. Here’s what you need to know