Holiday Scams Are Surging: How North Dakota Shoppers Can Stay Safe

As the holiday season ramps up across North Dakota, so does something far less festive: a surge in scams targeting shoppers, travelers, and anyone simply trying to enjoy the season. According to reporting from USA Today, scams spike dramatically during the holidays as criminals take advantage of stress, rushed decisions, and increased online spending.

From fake travel sites to phony social media ads, scammers are crafting convincing schemes designed to steal your money—and in some cases, your identity.

AI-Driven Scams Are Getting Personal

It’s no longer just suspicious links or odd emails. Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones, hoping to trick people into giving up credit card information or sending money. This modern twist on the old “grandparent scam” can mimic the exact voice patterns of a child, grandchild, or relative.

The Federal Trade Commission warns: “Don’t trust the voice. Always call the person directly to verify.”

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Holiday Travel: A Big Target for Fraud

North Dakotans traveling to see family this season should take extra precautions. The Better Business Bureau reports a spike in fake travel websites that look real but steal your cash and personal data. Scammers may even call pretending your flight has been canceled—then demand additional fees.

Experts recommend:

• Searching travel site names along with phrases like “scam” or “complaints”

• Only booking with a credit card

• Avoiding anyone who calls asking for additional banking info

Retail Scams Flood Social Media

Whether you're online in Bismarck, Williston, Fargo, or Minot, you’ve likely seen holiday deals on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Unfortunately, many of these “too good to be true” offers are exactly that. Shoppers across the country have lost money to ads offering heavily discounted clothing, toys, and décor—items that never arrive or arrive as cheap knock-offs.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake brand-name ads are rampant and extremely convincing.

Read More: Grieving Families in Williston, North Dakota Targeted by Cruel Scam Artists

Gift Cards, Ticket Sales, and Zelle Scams

North Dakotans should be extra cautious when:

• Buying gift cards from third-party sites

• Purchasing event tickets through social media

• Sending payments via Zelle, which has no buyer protection

Scammers regularly use platforms like TikTok or Facebook Marketplace to sell fake NFL tickets, expired gift cards, or products that never ship.

The Rise of “Brushing Scams”

A newer scam reported by the Better Business Bureau involves receiving packages you never ordered. Inside? A QR code with instructions to “find out who sent it.” Scanning it can download malware onto your phone.

If you didn’t order it—don’t scan anything.

Delivery Text Scams Are Everywhere

As more North Dakotans track holiday packages, texts claiming delivery problems have skyrocketed. Scammers impersonate Amazon, UPS, or the U.S. Postal Service, sending links that steal your information.

Delete the message. Do not click.

How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season

Experts cited by USA Today recommend the following steps:

• Pause before reacting. Scammers rely on panic.

• Verify everything. Call your bank, the company, or the relative directly.

• Use credit cards, not debit cards.

• Check URLs carefully for misspellings or odd characters.

• Stay on official platforms when buying or selling online.

• Never send money to someone you don’t know personally.

• Sign up for bank alerts to catch suspicious activity early.

A Season of Joy—And Caution

According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers stole $12.5 billion from U.S. consumers in 2025—a record high. With holiday stress, North Dakota weather delays, and families rushing to prepare, criminals know we’re vulnerable.

Staying vigilant is the best gift you can give yourself this season. By slowing down and double-checking anything that feels “off,” you can ensure your holidays in North Dakota stay merry, bright, and scam-free.