As the festive season rolls in with cozy drinks, twinkling lights and gift exchanges, it also brings a sharp spike in online scams. Cybercriminals are working overtime during the holidays, using increasingly advanced tactics to trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. Distinguishing between a real website and a fraudulent one has never been more challenging.
Stopping these digital grinches is a constant battle. Data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center shows that phishing and spoofing scams drained more than $70 million from victims during the 2024 holiday season alone.
What makes these scams particularly dangerous is how convincing they’ve become. Many fraudulent links now use standard “https” encryption and domain names that closely resemble legitimate brands, making them appear authentic at first glance.
Clicking on a scam link can lead to serious consequences beyond a ruined holiday mood. Victims may face financial losses, unknowingly hand over credit card details to a fake “Secret Santa,” or download malware that can lock up devices in seconds. Understanding how to identify and avoid scam links is key to staying protected this season.
How to identify scam links
Scam links commonly appear in phishing emails, text messages, social media messages and other forms of digital communication. Their goal is to lure users into downloading malware or entering personal and financial information on fake websites. Popular schemes include unpaid toll notices, fake investment offers, gold bar scams and fraudulent job opportunities.
Cybercriminals often send these messages in bulk, increasingly using artificial intelligence to make them seem legitimate. Despite repeated warnings, enough people fall for these scams each year to keep the cycle going.
Here’s how you can avoid taking the bait.
1. Check the URL carefully : “Smartphones do their best to block scam links, so attackers use tricks to make their links clickable,” said Joshua McKenty, CEO of Polyguard.ai, a cybersecurity company that helps businesses protect mobile phones and call centers from AI-driven phishing scams.
He advises watching for red flags such as an “@” symbol within the URL or two web addresses combined using a question mark — especially if the first part looks like a trusted site such as Google.com or Apple.com.
Dave Meister, a cybersecurity spokesperson for global cybersecurity company Check Point, noted that hovering over a link can often reveal its true destination. He also warned users to be alert for “typo-squatting,” where fake URLs closely mimic real ones, such as using “PayPa1” instead of “PayPal.”
2. Stick to familiar domains : Being familiar with the websites you regularly visit can significantly reduce risk.
“Major brands, especially banks and retailers, don't often change up their domain names,” McKenty said. “If the link says Chase.com, it's likely safe. If it says, Chase-Banking-App.com, stay away.”
Shortened links are common in text messages and on social media, but they’re risky. “Sadly, there's no safe way to check a shortened URL,” McKenty said, recommending that people avoid clicking them altogether.
Links from services like Bit.ly or Shorturl may still display “https://,” which can be misleading. In these cases, it’s important to read the message closely and watch for urgency, threats or pressure to act quickly — all classic scam tactics.
Common ways scam links reach victims
1. Text message scams : Not all scams rely on website links. Phone numbers themselves are often used to deceive victims.
“People get tricked into clicking a phone number that's not actually their bank or the IRS, and then surrendering identity information on the phone,” McKenty said.
Engaging with scammers, even out of curiosity, can make things worse. Responding may signal that your number is active, encouraging repeat attempts.
2. Email scams : Emails remain one of the most costly scam channels. McKenty noted that although text scams are increasing, “the biggest dollar losses are still the classic email scams.” He recommends copying suspicious links into a notes app to inspect them carefully rather than clicking directly.
3. QR code scams : QR codes have also become a growing threat. “QR codes have become the new stealth weapon, used everywhere from restaurant menus to parking meters,” said Meister.
“Scammers are known to slap fake codes on top of real ones in public, or embed them in phishing emails, linking to cloned websites or malware downloads,” he said.
Before scanning, consider whether the QR code makes sense in that location. Codes found on random objects or in unexpected emails are best avoided.
4. Social media direct messages: Scammers often hijack or impersonate social media accounts belonging to people you know.
If a message from a relative or friend suddenly sounds aggressive, sales-driven or out of character — especially if it includes a link — verify by contacting them directly before clicking.
What to do if you already clicked a scam link
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link, the outcome depends on your device’s security protections. Firewalls or antivirus software may block the threat automatically. Without protection, however, action may be needed.
Here are steps to take immediately:
- Install or update antivirus software: Use reputable free or paid antivirus tools to scan and remove potential threats from your computer.
- Watch for signs of malware: Phones are not immune. If infected, avoid using financial apps, clear your browser cache, delete unfamiliar apps or perform a factory reset. Contact your device’s tech support if needed.
- Notify your bank or card issuer: If you accessed financial accounts on a compromised device, alert your institution as a precaution.
- Report the scam: If you lost money, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department. Reporting helps authorities warn others and reduce future victims.
Staying alert and informed is your best defense against holiday scams — and the best way to keep the season joyful and secure.
