Baltimore, November 29, 2025
As the holiday shopping season approaches, online shoppers in Baltimore are increasingly at risk from scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information. Experts advise local consumers to exercise caution and ensure a secure shopping experience by remaining vigilant against threats. Key scams include fake online stores, phishing communications, and deepfake ads. Shoppers are urged to verify deals, use secure payment methods, and monitor their finances to help safeguard against these growing threats.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Combat Online Shopping Scams in Baltimore
Protect Yourself and Your Wallet While Shopping Online
Baltimore, MD – As the holiday season approaches, online shoppers in Baltimore are facing increased risks from scams designed to steal personal and financial information. Local experts advise heightened vigilance to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience as consumers seek to take advantage of holiday deals.
The surge in online shopping during this festive period, particularly after the pandemic, underscores the need for awareness. Maryland’s strong entrepreneurial spirit is evident as local businesses strive to provide exceptional service and unique offerings. However, a focus on consumer protection is equally important amidst this climate of innovation.
Top Scams to Watch Out For
Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in their tactics, employing various scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers. The most prevalent scams include:
- Fake Online Stores: Fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate retailers to capture sensitive information. These sites typically offer deals that seem too good to be true, enticing consumers to disclose personal data.
- Phishing Emails and Texts: Messages masquerading as trusted retailers, offering unreal deals or alerting customers to alleged order issues, redirecting them to malicious sites.
- Deepfake Social Media Ads: AI-generated videos featuring fake celebrity endorsements that mislead consumers to counterfeit stores on social media platforms.
- Gift Card Scams: Thieves steal gift card information from packaging or manipulate individuals into disclosing their card details, leading to rapid loss of funds.
Protective Measures for Shoppers
To navigate this hazardous landscape, consumers are encouraged to take proactive measures against potential scams:
- Verify Deals: Always check the official retailer websites to validate the legitimacy of deals, as the likelihood of encountering fraud rises sharply during the holiday season.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Prioritize credit cards, which often provide enhanced fraud protection compared to debit cards.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance online account security by requiring an additional verification step during log-in.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review credit card and bank statements to quickly identify unauthorized transactions and mitigate potential fraud.
Background Context
The holiday season is a peak time for online shopping, with many consumers eager to purchase gifts at competitive prices. A survey indicated that 62% of Americans impulsively buy items upon spotting a holiday deal online, often without checking the legitimacy of the source. This eagerness can leave shoppers vulnerable to scams, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.
As Maryland’s economy continues to recover and grow, particularly in the entrepreneurial sector, securing consumer confidence is vital for local businesses’ success. Awareness and education on potential risks can empower shoppers, enabling them to support local merchants safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most common online shopping scams during the holiday season?
The most common scams include fake online stores, phishing emails and texts, deepfake social media ads, and gift card scams. These tactics are designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting shoppers.
How can I protect myself from online shopping scams?
To protect yourself, verify deals by visiting official retailer websites, use secure payment methods like credit cards, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, and monitor your financial statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Why are online shopping scams more prevalent during the holiday season?
The holiday season sees a surge in online shopping, attracting cybercriminals who exploit the increased activity. Shoppers often seek deals and gifts, making them more susceptible to scams.
What should I do if I suspect I’ve been targeted by an online shopping scam?
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, report the incident to the retailer and your financial institution immediately. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.
Key Features of Holiday Online Shopping Safety
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fake Online Stores | Fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate retailers to steal personal and payment information. |
| Phishing Scams | Emails and texts posing as trusted retailers, offering fake deals or claiming order issues, leading to malicious websites. |
| Deepfake Social Media Ads | AI-generated videos with fake celebrity endorsements promoting counterfeit stores on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. |
| Gift Card Scams | Fraudsters stealing gift card data from physical packaging or tricking individuals into sending card details, draining funds rapidly post-activation. |
| Protective Measures | Verify deals by visiting official retailer websites, use secure payment methods, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor financial statements regularly. |
As we embrace the season of giving, let’s remain cautious to protect ourselves and our wallets from potential threats. Engaging in local businesses empowers our community and fosters economic growth, reinforcing the resilience of Baltimore’s entrepreneurial landscape. Enjoy safe shopping this holiday season!
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
