Q: What should you do if a social media post during the holidays looks “too good to be true”?
A: Pause, inspect the account and content, and verify before clicking anything, doing this in the first few seconds can prevent you from falling prey to a scam.
It started when your thumb hovered over the screen a post flashing “75 % off, today only!” or a heartwarming plea for holiday donations. That pause told you something was off. And you were right to trust it.
Because this time of year, scam attempts sneak into social feeds like extra ornaments on a tree blending in until you notice too late.
Why holiday scams are everywhere now
When the air carries that crisp December chill and your mind’s half on shopping lists or school break plans, your guard is down. Scammers exploit that. They court urgency, generosity, the rush to get things done.
Your feed is fertile ground: flash sales, viral charities, “giveaway” posts, last-minute gift ads. Add on deepfake images, borrowed branding, and cloned profiles their trick is looking right.
According to Better Business Bureau data, digital ad-related scams rise sharply between November and January. The odds are, you’ll bump into one before the holidays are over.
If you want to sharpen your baseline defenses, the StaySafe.org guide 10 Tips To Stay Safe Online is a solid foundation covering password routines, device hygiene, and safe-clicking habits.
Holiday social media scams you’re likely to see
Fake online stores
An ultra-low price catches your eye. You order. Months later? Nothing. Or maybe a cheap knockoff shows up.
Charity appeals
Someone pretends to be your favorite toy drive or disaster relief group. The stories are emotional. The donations go somewhere just not where you think.
Gift-exchange schemes
“Send one gift, get 10 back” is a pyramid scam dressed in wrapping paper. It sounds festive until the promises vanish.
Tag-and-win posts
“Tag 3 friends and share to win $500.” You do. Now they’ve harvested your data or led you to a sketchy site.
Fake shipping notices
A DM says your package can’t be delivered without verification. You click and hand over passwords or payment info.
Romance or emotional scams
You build trust over messages. Then a sudden crisis: “I need money to get home,” “medical bill,” “emergency.” It’s a classic, reimagined for winter.
Red flags you don’t need to ignore
New or barely active accounts.
Slightly off URLs (amaz0n instead of amazon) or strange domains like .top or .shop.
Language that panics you: “Only 2 hours left!”
Payment methods you can’t trace: gift cards, crypto, wire transfers.
Branding that’s blurry, misspelled, mismatched.
If something feels odd, even faintly? Stop. Investigate. Trust your gut.
How to verify before you ever click
1. Go direct. Open the brand’s official site or app don’t use the ad link.
2. Check the account. Look for older posts, comments, engagement, proper branding.
3. Reverse image search. See if the product photo shows up elsewhere often telling.
4. Research the charity or seller. Use nonprofit directories and consumer reviews.
5. Harden your own defenses. Use unique passwords, turn on two-factor authentication.
6. Hover before you click. Preview the link address without tapping it.
Want a more thorough guide for adults? StaySafe.org’s Cyber Safety Tips for Adults offers real-world tactics for phishing, network safety, and device hygiene.
And to lock down habits for the long haul, check 10 Tips To Stay Safe Online think of it as your digital maintenance checklist.
What to do if you suspect or have already been scammed
• Cut communication. Block, mute, delete.
• Preserve evidence. Screenshots of messages, account names, payment trails.
• Report on the platform. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook use their fraud tools.
• File official complaints. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and IC3 at ic3.gov.
• Talk to your bank or card issuer. They might be able to halt charges or reverse them.
• Update your credentials & monitor your accounts. Watch for unauthorized activity.
People who act quickly within 24 hours have a higher chance of recovery. Your report could also help shut down repeat crooks.
Keep your guard up, all year long
Scams don’t sleep after New Year’s. Here’s how to stay ahead:
• Talk openly about phishing with friends and family.
• Limit what you share online travel plans, full birthdays, personal details.
• Lock down privacy settings.
• Install device updates quickly.
• Stay aware of evolving scam trends.
If you’re guiding a loved one, especially an older adult, pairing the *Cyber Safety Tips* and *10 Tips* guides is a solid start.
Why your report matters more than you think
It’s easy to shrug off one scam. But every report matters: patterns emerge, networks get traced, fraud rings collapse. Platforms use your flags to remove accounts faster. Your small action can protect someone else.