Holiday Scams Are on the Rise in Alabama: Here’s What You Need to Know

The holiday season is here—a time for family, friends, and giving. But while you’re busy shopping for gifts and donating to causes you care about, scammers are working just as hard to take advantage of your generosity and hectic schedule.

AARP Alabama is sounding the alarm: holiday scams are surging across the state, and consumers need to stay alert. According to a recent AARP survey:

• 76% of Alabamians have been targeted by fraud in the past year.
• 76% plan to use debit cards for holiday shopping, even though credit cards offer better protection.
• 64% will buy gift cards, and more than half purchase them off the rack—a favorite target for scammers.
• 54% plan to use payment apps like Venmo or Zelle, and many have sent money to people they don’t know well.
• Nearly 4 in 10 have received fake charity requests, and 37% have gotten fraudulent shipping notifications.

“The holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration, and giving,” says Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. “Unfortunately, the gift-giving process—from purchasing the perfect gift to making sure it gets to the recipient—also brings multiple opportunities for scammers to enrich themselves. Our goal is to help Alabamians enjoy the season without falling victim to fraud.”

• Unsolicited emails or texts about shipping problems.
• Charity requests that pressure you to donate immediately.
• Gift cards sold on racks instead of behind the counter.
• Social media ads offering deals that seem too good to be true.
• Requests for payment via peer-to-peer apps from people you don’t know well.

• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases.
• Buy gift cards directly from retailers or from behind the counter.
• Verify charities through trusted sources like Charity Navigator.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.

Want more tips? Visit aarp.org/fraud or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for free support.