As the Christmas 2025 shopping rush drives a surge in e-commerce, digital transactions and parcel deliveries, cybersecurity authorities have warned that the festive period now represents the peak season for cyber fraud. Threat actors are abandoning simplistic tactics in favor of AI-powered, automated attacks and widespread brand impersonation campaigns.
According to findings from Check Point, cybercriminals sent over 33,500 holiday-themed phishing emails globally within two weeks, while social networks continue to be flooded with close to 10,000 counterfeit festive advertisements daily. Analysts warn that the volume and realism of these campaigns, combined with their rapid spread, signal a significant rise in threat activity compared to past seasons.
How AI is making festive scams look real
Security experts say the heavy use of AI is the biggest concern this year. In the past, phishing attempts were relatively easy to identify due to obvious mistakes, but in 2025, AI-powered tools now allow fraudsters to craft high-quality emails with realistic branding, correct language and authentic-looking presentation.
Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating major international brands such as Walmart, Home Depot, FedEx and UPS, crafting emails and texts that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate messages. By injecting time-sensitive language—including “delivery failed” and “offer expiring tonight”—attackers aim to pressure users into unsafe clicks.
According to cybersecurity specialists, AI has transformed the cybercrime landscape by reducing the technical skills required, enabling smaller actors to launch widespread, sophisticated fraud operations.
Fake delivery alerts emerge as the top cyber threat
Security analysts say bogus delivery alerts now rank as the most successful form of festive fraud. Circulating across text messages, WhatsApp and email, they typically claim a shipment is on hold, sent back or awaiting immediate verification.
Victims are typically sent to cloned websites created to harvest login credentials, banking information and card details. Researchers report that delivery-themed scams have more than doubled since Christmas 2024, cementing them as the leading cyber threat this festive season.
In many instances, victims become aware of the scam only after noticing unauthorised transactions or finding themselves locked out of their accounts.
How fake shopping sites and AI chatbots scam buyers
Security experts warn of a sharp increase in fraudulent online stores advertising heavily discounted “Christmas mega deals.” Designed to mimic real retailers, these sites include realistic product catalogues, payment pages, automated confirmation messages and fake tracking details.
Adding to the risk, some of these fraudulent sites now use AI-powered chatbots that provide convincing, real-time responses to customer questions, helping to build false trust. After a payment is completed, the site often vanishes without a trace.
Scammers are increasingly exploiting Instagram, Facebook and TikTok as fertile ground for fraud. They operate fraudulent giveaway accounts that advertise Christmas rewards but ask victims to pay a nominal delivery or shipping charge. These profiles are typically recently set up and replicate real brands’ identities to appear authentic.
Experts warn: artificial urgency signals a scam
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that urgency is the clearest warning sign of fraud. Communications that pressure users to act immediately, make instant payments, or claim unexpected rewards are crafted to bypass careful decision-making.
Cybersecurity specialists advise people to
- Carefully inspect website links,
- Steer clear of gift card or crypto payments,
- Share sensitive details only when the request comes from them, and
- Confirm holiday deals through the official brand pages.