Dec 18, 2025
Security Awareness - Top Ten Holiday Scams to Watch For
| Rank | Scam | Key Indicators |
| 1 | Fake package delivery (USPS/UPS/FedEx "fee/reschedule") | Unsolicited SMS "delivery issue," short links, request for small fee/PII |
| 2 | Gift card payment demands (imposter boss/prof/charity) | Urgent ask to buy cards, scratch codes, secrecy |
| 3 | Student job/intern overpayment (check/equipment buy) | Unsolicited job, upfront equipment purchase, "overpayment" check |
| 4 | Account locked phishing (bank/email/SSO) | "Locked account," link to fake login, OTP harvest |
| 5 | Charity/relief impersonation | Emotional appeal, pressure to donate now via links/gift cards |
| 6 | Marketplace non‑delivery (buy/sell) | Off‑platform payment, too‑good price, new seller |
| 7 | Tech support/refund pop‑ups | Browser lock page with number, "refund" remote control |
| 8 | Bank impersonation SMS/call‑back (ATO) | "Transfer alert," request OTP/pass, callback to spoofed IVR |
| 9 | Travel/lodging booking scams | Off‑site deals, wire/crypto hold, mismatched listing details |
| 10 | Scholarship/tuition relief phishing | "Fee to apply," urgent deadline, FAFSA lookalike |