Digital Scams Poised to Hit Hard This Holiday Season

Santa Ana FCU
4 days ago
2 min read

Elderly couple at a table, woman holding phone with "Unknown" caller ID. Coffee cups, notebook, and headphones are visible. Cozy atmosphere.

While the holiday season is a time to connect and celebrate, it is also when scammers ramp up their activity. Criminals are adapting quickly as technology changes, making it more important than ever to stay informed. Below are five scams and some precautions to take that can help keep you safe:

1. AI-Powered Voice & Video Impersonation

Scammers can now use AI to clone the voices or faces of loved ones, creating believable calls or video messages asking for help or money.

How to stay safe: Always verify unexpected messages using a second contact method before sending money.

2. Fake Online Stores & Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Fraudulent websites offering holiday discounts, electronics, and luxury items continue to rise. These sites often vanish after collecting payments.

How to stay safe: Stick to trusted retailers and type web addresses directly instead of clicking links from ads or emails.

3. Package Delivery & Tracking Text Scams

With record holiday shipping expected in 2025, scammers are sending fake “tracking updates” that lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.

How to stay safe: Check tracking numbers only through the official carrier website (USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.).

4. Charity & Relief Fund Scams

Scammers frequently pose as holiday charities, disaster relief organizations, or toy-drive programs to exploit generosity.

How to stay safe: Verify charities through reputable sites such as Charity Navigator or directly through the official organization’s website.

5. Tech Support Pop-Ups & Device Compromise

Holiday shopping and travel increase device uses, makes pop-up warnings (“Your computer is infected!”) even more common than normally. These scams aim to gain remote access or steal financial information.

How to stay safe: Never call the number in a pop-up. Close the window and contact a trusted tech provider if you’re unsure.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

Scammers thrive on urgency and emotion—two things that run high during the holidays. Slow down, double-check, and trust your instincts.

And remember:

SAFCU will NEVER call from our direct line (714-834-1341) asking for debit card, credit card, or online banking login information.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and reach out to us directly during business hours.