The holiday season should be a time of celebration, connection, and joy. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest times of year for scammers. With people shopping online, mailing gifts, traveling, and donating to charities, criminals take advantage of the increased activity—and the distractions that come with the season.
At Bearden Investigative Agency, we see firsthand how holiday-related scams impact individuals, families, and businesses. Awareness is the first line of defense, and proactive action is the second. Here are some of the most common Christmas time scams to watch for—and how our team can help if you fall victim.
- Online Shopping Scams
Fake online stores, counterfeit goods, and fraudulent marketplace listings spike during the holidays. Scammers may create convincing websites, offer “too-good-to-be-true” deals, or hijack legitimate seller accounts.
Red Flags:
- Deep discounts that seem unrealistic
- Sellers who insist on payment apps, gift cards, or wire transfers
- Poor-quality websites or no customer service contact information
How Bearden Can Help:
Our investigators can track digital footprints, verify vendor legitimacy, and help identify the individual or operation behind the scam. We can also assist attorneys and law enforcement with detailed reports and evidence collection.
- Package Theft & Delivery Scams
“Porch pirates” are more active than ever during December. Additionally, there’s an uptick in fake delivery notifications pretending to be from UPS, USPS, FedEx, or Amazon.
Red Flags:
- Text messages requesting personal info or payment before a package can be delivered
- Suspicious tracking links
- Unexpected delivery attempts
How Bearden Can Help:
We can review security footage, analyze patterns of neighborhood theft, and coordinate with law enforcement. In some cases, surveillance or background research can help identify repeat offenders.
- Charity Fraud
The holidays inspire generosity—and scammers exploit it by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones.
Red Flags:
- High-pressure donation tactics
- Charities unable to provide documentation
- Requests for cash, gift cards, or wire transfers
How Bearden Can Help:
Our team can verify whether a charity is legitimate and investigate suspicious solicitations. For businesses and high-net-worth individuals, we provide enhanced vetting to ensure donations go where intended.
- Romance & Holiday Travel Scams
Social media and dating app scams surge around the holidays, when loneliness, travel, and gift-giving coincide.
Common Tactics:
- A fast-moving relationship followed by a request for money
- Scammers pretending to be traveling for the holidays and needing “emergency funds”
- Fake vacation rentals or travel deals
How Bearden Can Help:
We perform comprehensive background checks, social media verification, and digital investigations to determine whether someone is who they claim to be. For victims, we help document the fraud and provide investigative support for recovery efforts.
- Gift Card & Impersonation Scams
Criminals often impersonate employers, relatives, or government agencies to pressure victims into buying gift cards or sending quick payments.
Red Flags:
- Messages from “bosses” asking for urgent gift card purchases
- Emails with slight misspellings or odd phrasing
- Calls demanding immediate payments
How Bearden Can Help:
Our investigators can help trace communication sources, identify impersonators, and support companies affected by internal or external fraud attempts.
How Bearden Investigative Agency Protects You During the Holiday Season
The holidays may bring out scammers—but they also highlight the importance of trusted protection. At Bearden Investigative Agency, we offer:
✔ Fraud & Scam Investigations
✔ Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigations
✔ Background Checks & Identity Verification
✔ Surveillance & Evidence Collection
✔ Support for Attorneys, Businesses & Individuals
If you suspect you’ve been targeted or want to proactively safeguard your family or organization, our team is here to help.
Stay Safe This Season With Bearden Investigative Agency
No one should have their holiday disrupted by fraud or deception. With timely awareness and professional investigative support, you can reduce risks and respond effectively if something goes wrong.
If you need assistance or have concerns about a potential scam, contact us.
Your safety—and peace of mind—are our priority.