WASHINGTON—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 Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs, AARP Fraud Watch Network. “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 charitable organizations before donating.

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/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.