Waverly Secure – 2025 FBI Holiday Scam Alert

2025 FBI Holiday Scam Alert: Protect Yourself This Season

The FBI warns that scammers are highly active during the holiday season, targeting retirees and consumers with fraudulent schemes. We are sending this flyer to remind you to stay alert and to encourage you to protect yourself from financial loss by knowing the most common scams and following key prevention tips.

Why Retirees Are Especially Targeted:

Older adults are prime targets during the holidays due to increased online shopping and charitable giving. Losses among seniors exceeded $4 billion in 2024, with holiday-related fraud being a major contributor.

FBI Tip Prevention:

•Gift Card Fraud: Scammers demand payment via gift cards or sell tampered cards. Never pay with gift cards for purchases or emergencies.
• Fake Charity Scams: Fraudsters mimic real charities and pressure quick donations. Verify charities before donating.
• Delivery & Shipping Scams: Fake alerts or links claim to track packages but steal personal information. Always verify directly with the delivery company.
• Grandparent Scams: Criminals impersonate relatives in distress, often using AI voice cloning, and demand urgent funds.

Common Holiday Scams:

• Verify before you buy or donate: Check URLs for ‘https://’ and research sellers or charities.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts—especially shipping or payment alerts.
• Use credit cards, not debit or gift cards, for better fraud protection.
• Report scams immediately at ic3.gov or call the Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11.

Stay Vigilant – Especially for Those You Support:

If you are entrusted with supporting elderly family members, clients, or friends, take an active role in protecting them from scams. The holiday season is a prime time for fraudsters, and older adults are often targeted because of their generosity and perceived vulnerability. Fraud prevention is a shared responsibility. By talking openly and proactively, you can help protect those who trust you—and preserve their dignity and confidence—as well as their wealth.

If you are involved in supporting others (as a caregiver, power or attorney, trusted contact, or otherwise), consider:

• Initiating conversations about scams and fraud prevention. These discussions may feel sensitive, but they are essential.
• Being mindful of embarrassment: Many older adults feel ashamed if they fall victim to a scam—sometimes even more so because it raises concerns about their independence and ability to protect themselves.
• Normalizing the topic: Frame it as a common issue affecting millions of people, not a personal failing.
• Offering practical support: Help verify suspicious messages, review financial transactions, and set up fraud alerts.