Protecting Your Finances: How to Spot and Avoid Holiday and Year-End Investment Scams

As the holiday season gets underway, it’s important for investors to stay alert—scammers know this is a busy time when people are distracted by shopping, travel, and year-end financial planning. Cybercriminals take advantage of the rush and increased online activity, making this one of the riskiest times for investment and financial scams. Here’s what you need to know now, plus simple steps to keep your money and personal information safe.

Common Scams Targeting Investors This Holiday Season

Fake Online Retailers & Social Media Ads: Fraudulent websites and ads—especially on Facebook and Instagram—promise hard-to-find gifts at incredible prices. Often, victims receive counterfeit products or nothing at all.

Phishing Emails About Deliveries or Payments: Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be from UPS, FedEx, or similar services, asking you to fix a payment or confirm a missed delivery. The links are designed to steal your login credentials or infect your device with malware.

Charity and Donation Scams: Fraudsters set up fake charities or fundraising drives, using urgent language and convincing names to prey on people’s generosity during the holidays.

Gift Card and Survey Scams: Offers of free gift cards in exchange for completing a holiday survey are often a way to collect your personal information or credit card details.

AI-Powered Social Media Investment Scams: Deepfake videos and bots, often using the likeness of celebrities, aggressively pitch fraudulent crypto or penny stock opportunities.

Holiday Travel and Ticket Fraud: Scammers advertise fake deals for flights, hotels, or event tickets. After you pay, you’re left with nothing.

How to Protect Yourself

Pause and Double-Check: Take a moment to breathe before responding to unexpected messages or offers. If you receive a request for money or sensitive information, research the company or organization independently before taking action.

Research Before Donating or Shopping: Verify charities through sites like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator. For online retailers, verify the authenticity of reviews and ensure the presence of contact information.

Watch for Red Flags: If an offer sounds too good to be true—like guaranteed returns, huge discounts, or exclusive deals—it probably is. Scammers want you to feel a sense of urgency so you’ll act quickly without thinking.

Secure Your Accounts: Now is a good time to update your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

Takeaway: Staying alert, asking questions, and being cautious with unsolicited holiday offers will help you protect your savings and investments from seasonal scams.

Benefit: A little extra vigilance and research can go a long way in keeping your finances secure during this high-risk period.

For more information about avoiding investment scams, visit the SEC’s investor education website at Investor.gov. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Sources:
https://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts
https://www.finra.org/investors/alerts
https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/holiday-scams
https://blog.rcsprofessional.com/holiday-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-the-2025-holiday-season
https://www.aura.com/learn/holiday-scams
https://www.merceradvisors.com/insights/personal-finance/cyber-scams-to-watch-for-over-the-holidays/
https://newsroom.gendigital.com/2025-10-16-Holiday-Shortcuts-Open-the-Door-to-Scams,-Norton-Warns

Disclosure:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with licensed professionals before making any investment decisions. Information and scams described herein are based on publicly available consumer alerts, industry research, and recent regulatory warnings.

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