Beware of Holiday Scams: FBI San Diego Issues Shoppers’ Alert

FBI Warns of Holiday Scams: Protect Your Gifts and Donations

San Diego, CA – November 30, 2025 – as the holiday shopping season ramps up, the FBI San Diego Field Office is issuing a critical warning to consumers about the surge in scams targeting shoppers and charitable donors. With the promise of deals and the spirit of giving, criminals are actively exploiting vulnerabilities to steal funds and personal information.

“The FBI receives thousands of reports every year of people being scammed during the holidays,” stated Mark Dargis, Special agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office. “Do not let scammers rob you of this joyous holiday season. Stop scammers before they strike-stay vigilant while shopping or donating during the holidays.”

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out for:

The FBI is currently tracking several prevalent scams, including:

* Non-Delivery Scams: Paying for goods online that are never shipped.
* Non-Payment Scams: Shipping goods or providing services without receiving payment.
* Gift Card Fraud: Being asked to pay with pre-paid gift cards – a major red flag.
* Fake Charities: Copycat organizations soliciting donations through various platforms to steal your money.
* Auction Fraud: Purchasing misrepresented items on auction sites.

Protect Yourself: FBI’s Top Tips

The FBI urges consumers to take the following precautions to avoid becoming a victim:

* Think Before You Click: Avoid suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or social media.
* Guard Your Information: Be cautious of requests to update passwords or account details.
* Verify Website Security: Ensure website URLs begin with “https://” and display a locked padlock icon.
* Inspect Gift Cards: Check for signs of tampering before purchasing.
* Donate Responsibly: Verify charities through trusted sources before donating. Avoid those requesting gift cards or wire transfers.
* Beware of Risky Payment Methods: Be wary of transactions using wire transfers, virtual currency, gift cards, or cash. Never pay with pre-paid gift cards or wire money directly to a seller.
* Track Your Purchases: Always obtain tracking numbers for online purchases.

Report Fraud Immediately

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a holiday scam or charity fraud, the FBI encourages you to:

* Submit a complaint to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
* Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
* Contact your credit card company or bank.

The FBI San Diego Field Office remains dedicated to protecting communities and urges everyone to exercise caution and diligence during this holiday season. A little vigilance can go a long way in preventing financial loss and ensuring a safe and joyful holiday for all.

How does experiencing holiday fraud potentially impact a person’s emotional and psychological well-being beyond financial loss?

Understanding the Rise in Holiday Fraud

The holiday season, while a time for joy and giving, unfortunately also sees a meaningful spike in holiday scams. The FBI’s San Diego field office recently issued a shopper’s alert, warning consumers to be vigilant against increasingly elegant fraud schemes targeting those seeking deals and gifts.This isn’t just about losing money; identity theft and compromised financial information are serious risks. Understanding the common tactics used by scammers is the first step in protecting yourself.

Common Holiday Scam Tactics to Watch For

Scammers adapt quickly, but several tactics consistently appear during the November-December period. Here’s a breakdown of prevalent fraudulent schemes:

* Fake Online Shopping Websites: These sites often mimic legitimate retailers, offering incredibly low prices to lure you in. They may have slightly altered URLs or use lookalike domain names.

* Phishing Emails & Texts: Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be from trusted companies (Amazon, FedEx, your bank) requesting personal information, often with a sense of urgency. These are designed to steal your credit card details and login credentials.

* social Media Scams: Attractive deals advertised on social media platforms can lead to fake websites or requests for direct payment via untraceable methods.

* Rental Scams: Especially prevalent around holidays for vacation rentals, scammers list properties that don’t exist or aren’t theirs to rent, taking your deposit and disappearing. (See related: Holiday Club Resorts and similar time-share promotions – while not inherently scams, be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and understand the commitment.)

* Gift Card Scams: Scammers ask you to purchase gift cards and provide the codes, claiming it’s for a service or emergency. This is almost always a scam.

* Charity Scams: Fake charities emerge, exploiting the generosity of the season. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy before donating.

* Package Delivery Scams: Notifications about undelivered packages, frequently enough requiring a “small fee” for re-delivery, are frequently used to harvest personal information.

Protecting Yourself: A Practical guide

Staying safe requires a proactive approach. Here are actionable steps you can take to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of holiday fraud:

1. Verify Website Security: Before entering any personal or financial information, ensure the website uses “https” in the URL and displays a padlock icon.
2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise extreme caution with unsolicited emails,texts,or social media ads.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers. Consider using payment platforms like PayPal, which offer buyer protection.
4. Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Check your bank and credit card statements frequently for any unauthorized transactions.
6. Research Charities: Use websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to verify the legitimacy of charities before donating.
7. Be Skeptical of Requests for Gift Cards: Legitimate businesses rarely ask for payment via gift cards.
8. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

In December 2023, the Better business bureau (BBB) reported a surge in complaints related to fake online retailers offering discounted electronics. Many victims lost hundreds of dollars after ordering items that were never delivered. The FBI also saw a significant increase in romance scams during the holidays, where scammers build relationships online and then exploit their victims for money. These cases highlight the importance of verifying information and being cautious about sharing personal details online.

Benefits of Proactive Fraud Prevention

Taking the time to protect yourself from scams offers several benefits:

* Financial security: Avoid losing money to fraudulent schemes.

* Identity Protection: Safeguard your personal information from identity theft.

* Peace of Mind: enjoy the holiday season without the stress of being a victim of fraud.

* Supporting Legitimate Businesses: Your purchases support ethical and trustworthy companies.

Resources for Further Information

* FBI Internet crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/

* Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov/

* Better Business Bureau (BBB): https://www.bbb.org/

* AARP Fraud watch Network: [https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/](https://www.aarp.org/