AARP Fraud Watch Network Warns Holiday Scams Are on the Rise as Consumers Shop and Donate Online

Fraud targeting online shoppers and holiday donors continues to surge nationwide, according to a new report from the AARP Fraud Watch Network. As millions prepare to shop and give online this season, scammers are capitalizing on fake shipping alerts, bogus charities, and gift card scams to steal money and personal information. 

The 2025 AARP Holiday Shopping and Scams Report reveals that 89 percent of U.S. adults have experienced at least one scam, from fake toll payment texts and phony charity appeals to misleading digital ads. More than half of adults reported receiving a fake shipping notice this year, while nearly four in ten encountered deceptive ads on social media. 

“Criminals are relentless during the holidays, exploiting the many opportunities that come with a busy season — from shopping and traveling to charitable giving,” said Laura McDonough, Associate State Director of Communication at AARP Vermont. “Understanding how they operate is the first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones.”

Key findings from the AARP Holiday Shopping and Scams Report include:
· Nearly 9 in 10 adults have experienced at least one type of fraud.
· More than half received a fake toll payment or shipping text in the past year.
· Nearly 4 in 10 were targeted through social media ads—an increase from last year.
· About one-third received a fraudulent charity donation request.
· 3 in 10 have had a package stolen outside their home.

Consumers are also increasingly being targeted through peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps, with two in five users saying they have sent money to someone they did not know. Despite growing awareness, many people underestimate the risks of using debit cards or fail to verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations before donating.

AARP Vermont will host a live telephone town hall conversation on Thursday, December 11, at 1:00 p.m. with national fraud expert Doug Shadel to discuss how to spot and stop scams. Shadel will be taking live questions from the listeners. Tune in at 833-380-0683 or livestream the event on the AARP Vermont Facebook page.

Learn more and access free scam prevention resources at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. The site offers fraud alerts, prevention tips, and AARP’s hit podcast, The Perfect Scam.

Learn More About Holiday Scams:

• Experts Warn of Rise in AI Holiday Shopping Scams
• Preparing for the Holiday Scam Season
• How Much Do You Know About Holiday-Related Scams in 2025?
• Holiday-Related Scams to Watch for in 2025
• 7 Ways to Avoid Online Shopping Scams in the Age of AI
• Package Delivery Problem? Maybe Not. Americans Are Swamped with Scam Texts
• Tips for Spotting Charity Fraud When Donating
• Watch Out for Gift Card Scams
• Keep An Eye Out for the Latest Travel Scams