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Publish Date: December 2025
December is one of the busiest times of the year, creating prime opportunities for fraudsters. In 2024, nearly 60% of U.S. consumers would make purchases during Cyber Week, increasing exposure to phishing emails, fake charities, delivery scams, fraudulent travel offers and other types of scams.
During Cybersecurity Month, we talked about how AI and deepfake technology are changing the fraud landscape. As the holidays arrive, those same tools are now being used to create more convincing scams than ever. Scammers rely on speed, emotion, and distraction – the holidays provide all three!
“As scams become more advanced through AI and deepfake technology, one thing hasn’t changed—the value of banking with people you know,” said Meghan Annable, Assistant Vice President of Fraud at Fidelity Bank & Trust. “As Your Hometown Bank, our mission is making hometown lives better. That means being a trusted resource our customers can turn to when something doesn’t feel right.”
Learn more as Meghan details common scams to watch for – always, but especially this time of year:
PHISHING SCAMS
Online shopping makes it easy to complete the gifting checklist, but also presents more opportunities for fake deals, counterfeit websites, and prices that are a “little too-good-to-be-true.” Be wary of clicking on links from social media ads or buying from websites without “https” in the URL.
CHARITY SCAMS
Fraudsters want to capitalize on people’s generosity during the holiday season by creating fake charities and organizations. Counterfeit charities may play on people’s emotions, pressure them to donate, ask for forms of payment like crypto or gift cards, and are vague about where exactly the money is going. Research the legitimacy of charities on websites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator before donating.
DELIVERY SCAMS
Online shopping means the anticipation of package deliveries and receiving delivery status updates. Scammers may send phony emails with fake delivery updates pretending to be FedEx, Amazon and UPS and attempting to get you to share personal information. Keep in mind – these companies won’t send unsolicited messages asking for personal or payment information.
TRAVEL SCAMS
Fake travel agencies may advertise discounts on airfare, luring people who travel during the holiday season. These scams are especially malicious because of sensitive information needed for legitimate travel like your address and credit or debit information. Double check URLs and be wary if your login information isn’t working on travel websites.
As with any time of year, follow these tips on how to best protect yourself from scammers:
SLOW DOWN
Pause before clicking on links or responding to urgent messages.
VERIFY SOURCES
Confirm who you are communicating with before sharing information. Look for “https” in website URLs, or hang up and call a reputable phone number before responding.
REACH OUT TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW
Talking about the scenario with someone you trust can help you determine its legitimacy. Scammers often ask you to keep information to yourself, so that should be a red flag that something isn’t right!
Technology matters – but when something feels off, nothing replaces a trusted local banker who knows your name and your community. If you’re unsure about a message, transaction, or request, slow down and reach out. At Fidelity Bank & Trust, we're here to help…because protecting your financial well-being is how we are making hometown lives better!