How to Avoid Fraud and Scams This Holiday Season: AARP Breaks Down What to Watch Out For

WASHINGTON— The holidays bring more shopping, travel, package deliveries, and charitable giving, but they also bring more opportunities for fraud. According to a new study from AARP, scammers are continuing to use tactics like fake shipping alerts, bogus charities, and gift card scams to steal money and personal information this holiday season.

The 2026 AARP Holiday Shopping and Scams Report reveals that 84% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one common type of fraud, from fake toll payment texts and phony charity requests to misleading digital ads. Nearly 40% of adults say they have experienced fraud after making a purchase from an online ad.

“Criminals don’t take a break during the holidays. They take advantage of the increased shopping, travel, and charitable giving that come with the season,” said Kathy Stokes, Senior Director of Fraud Prevention Programs, AARP. “Knowing the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Additional key findings from the AARP Holiday Shopping and Scams Study:

• Forty-seven percent received a fake shipping alert, and 44% received a text about a fake toll payment in the past year.

• More than 70% of consumers plan to purchase a gift card to give as a present this season, even though 35% say they have previously given or received a gift card with no balance.

• About one-third received a request to donate to a fraudulent charity.

• Three in 10 have had a package stolen from outside their home.

“Fraud and scams continue to impact almost every aspect of life, and it’s important for people to know how to spot fake online ads and recognize when a text or online request for money is not real,” said Stokes. “We also need stronger consumer protections to help keep people safe and keep pace with the constantly evolving tactics used by criminals.”

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.

###

About the AARP Fraud Watch Network
Launched in 2013, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for people of all ages. Consumers can sign up for Watchdog Alerts by email or text, call the free helpline at 877-908-3360 to report scams or seek support, and access tools to track scams nationwide. The program also provides expert insights, prevention tips, and education to help individuals safeguard their finances and identities.

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

CONTACT: Emily Pickren, epickren@aarp.org