Maryland, November 29, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, Maryland residents are cautioned about a surge in scams targeting consumers. The Attorney General’s Office reports significant increases in fraudulent activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Common scams include fake retail websites and misleading charity solicitations. Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs strive to maintain resilience during this period, encouraging support for small businesses and safe shopping practices to foster community connections.
Maryland Residents Warned of Holiday Scams Amidst Festive Preparations
As the holiday season approaches, Maryland residents are being cautioned about a surge in scams targeting consumers during this festive period. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has reported a significant increase in fraudulent activities, with over $12.5 billion lost nationally to consumer fraud in 2024—a 25% rise from the previous year. Such staggering figures remind us of the need for vigilance, especially as many individuals look to support local businesses and engage with the community during this time of year.
Despite the challenges posed by these scams, local entrepreneurs continue to show resilience and determination. Small businesses across Maryland are preparing to capitalize on the holiday shopping rush while navigating the effects of increasing fraudulent activities. A proactive mindset focusing on entrepreneurial innovation and community engagement can counter the risks posed by these scams, reinforcing the importance of supporting local businesses this season.
Scammers Exploit Holiday Shopping with Advanced Tactics
Scammers are leveraging sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence, to create convincing deceptions. AI-generated deepfakes and voice-cloning tools are being used to impersonate trusted individuals, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to identify fraudulent schemes. As technology becomes more advanced, both individuals and businesses must be on high alert.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
– Fake Retail Websites: Fraudulent sites closely resembling legitimate retailers often offer products at unrealistically low prices, aiming to steal payment information.
– Misleading Social Media Ads: Scammers use social media platforms to promote fake giveaways and discounts, directing users to phishing sites or malware.
– Charity Scams: Impersonators create fake charities to solicit donations, especially around Giving Tuesday, exploiting the goodwill of donors.
Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping and Giving
– Verify Retailers: Research retailers carefully, check reviews, and ensure they provide clear, accessible customer service information.
– Secure Payments: Type retailer URLs directly into your browser to avoid spoofed sites. Only enter payment information on sites beginning with “https.”
– Be Cautious with Charitable Donations: Confirm a charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State and review financials and mission statements on reliable sites.
Local Holiday Preparations and Events
In addition to staying vigilant against scams, Maryland residents are preparing for the holiday season by selecting real Christmas trees and supporting local businesses. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages residents to buy fresh, locally-grown Christmas trees, highlighting their environmental benefits and support for local farmers. For those seeking unique gifts, Maryland-themed gift shops are offering a variety of products that showcase the state’s culture and heritage. These shops provide an opportunity to support local artisans and businesses while finding distinctive presents for loved ones.
Giving Tuesday: Supporting Local Nonprofits
As Giving Tuesday approaches, Maryland residents are encouraged to consider supporting local nonprofits. This global day of giving offers an opportunity to contribute to causes that make a positive impact within the community. Residents can find a list of local nonprofits and their missions to make informed donation decisions.
Stay Informed and Prepared
By staying informed about potential scams and actively participating in local holiday traditions and charitable activities, Maryland residents can enjoy a safe and fulfilling holiday season. Supporting local businesses and engaging in community efforts not only helps individuals but also strengthens the economy in Baltimore and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most common holiday scams in Maryland?
Common holiday scams in Maryland include fake retail websites, misleading social media ads, and charity scams. Scammers often use sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence, to create convincing deceptions.
How can I protect myself from holiday scams?
To protect yourself from holiday scams, verify retailers by researching reviews and ensuring they provide clear customer service information. Secure your payments by typing retailer URLs directly into your browser and only entering payment information on sites beginning with “https.” Be cautious with charitable donations by confirming a charity’s registration and reviewing their financials and mission statements.
Where can I buy fresh, locally-grown Christmas trees in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages residents to buy fresh, locally-grown Christmas trees. These trees offer environmental benefits and support local farmers. For a list of local farms and tree lots, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website.
What are some Maryland-themed gift shops to consider for holiday shopping?
Maryland-themed gift shops offer a variety of products that showcase the state’s culture and heritage. These shops provide an opportunity to support local artisans and businesses while finding distinctive presents for loved ones. For a list of Maryland-themed gift shops, check local business directories or visit the Maryland Department of Commerce’s website.
How can I participate in Giving Tuesday in Maryland?
To participate in Giving Tuesday in Maryland, consider supporting local nonprofits by donating or volunteering. A list of local nonprofits and their missions can be found on the Maryland Nonprofits website or through local community organizations.
Key Features of Maryland’s Holiday Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Holiday Scams | Increased fraudulent activities targeting consumers during the festive period, including fake retail websites, misleading social media ads, and charity scams. |
| Local Christmas Trees | Encouragement to purchase fresh, locally-grown Christmas trees to support Maryland farmers and enjoy environmental benefits. |
| Maryland-Themed Gift Shops | Opportunities to support local artisans and businesses by purchasing unique Maryland-themed gifts. |
| Giving Tuesday Participation | Encouragement to support local nonprofits through donations or volunteering on Giving Tuesday. |
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Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Combat Online Shopping Scams in Baltimore
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.
