Philadelphia, December 9, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, Philadelphia’s FBI office warns residents about increasing scams and fraud schemes. With the spirit of giving, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against non-delivery scams, gift card fraud, and deceptive charity organizations. Residents are encouraged to verify charities, use secure payment methods, and report suspicious activity to ensure a safe and joyful holiday.
Beware Holiday Scams: Protecting Philadelphia Residents This Season
As the holidays draw near, vigilance is essential against fraud.
Philadelphia, PA — With the festive season fast approaching, the FBI’s Philadelphia field office has issued an important warning about a rise in holiday scams and charity fraud schemes that could impact local residents. As many take part in the spirit of giving and shopping, it is crucial to remain alert and informed to safeguard both financial resources and personal information.
The holiday season often brings out the best in communities, showcasing generosity and festive cheer. However, it also presents opportunities for fraudsters looking to exploit the goodwill of individuals. Reduced bureaucracy and increased communication among community members can foster a more resilient environment against these deceptive practices, emphasizing the need for local unity and vigilance.
Common Holiday Scams
Scammers take advantage of the holiday shopping frenzy with various schemes all aimed at taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Three of the most prevalent scams include:
- Non-Delivery Scams: Here, buyers fall victim to online purchases where they pay for goods or services but never receive their ordered items.
- Non-Payment Scams: In this scenario, sellers ship out goods or services only to later find they have not received payment.
- Gift Card Fraud: Scammers often ask for payment in the form of prepaid gift cards, a common method used to obscure fraudulent transactions.
Charity Fraud Schemes
The spirit of giving during the holidays can also attract fraudulent charity schemes. These scams may occur through various communication methods, including:
- Impersonation of Legitimate Charities: Fraudsters create organizations with names that closely mirror reputable charities, misleading potential donors.
- High-Pressure Tactics: These scams often involve aggressive strategies to compel donations quickly, citing urgent needs.
- Untraceable Payment Methods: Requests for donations made via wire transfers, gift cards, or prepaid cards are common, as these methods are difficult to trace.
Protective Measures
Residents can adopt several strategies to help protect themselves from falling prey to holiday scams:
- Verify Charitable Organizations: Always research charities before donating. Trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator can assist in confirming legitimacy.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for checks or credit cards when making contributions. Avoid cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Be Cautious with Unsolicited Communications: Exercise caution when dealing with emails or messages from unknown senders, particularly those urging immediate action.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review bank statements and credit card activity for any unauthorized transactions.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
In the event you suspect a scam, it’s important to act quickly. Residents are encouraged to report any fraudulent activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and reach out to their financial institutions to address unauthorized transactions promptly.
By staying informed and cautious, the residents of Philadelphia can foster a joyous and safe holiday season, free from the threat of scams and fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are common holiday scams to watch out for?
Common holiday scams include non-delivery scams, non-payment scams, and gift card fraud, where scammers deceive individuals into paying for goods or services that are never delivered or request payment via prepaid gift cards.
How can I verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating?
Research charities using trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Navigator to confirm their legitimacy before donating.
What payment methods should I use when donating to a charity?
Use checks or credit cards when donating. Avoid cash, gift cards, virtual currency, or wire transfers, as legitimate charities do not request these forms of payment.
How can I protect myself from unsolicited communications during the holidays?
Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders. Manually type web addresses to ensure they are legitimate and be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.
What should I do if I suspect I’ve encountered a scam?
Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and contact your financial institution to address any unauthorized transactions promptly.
Key Features of Holiday Scams and Charity Fraud
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Delivery Scams | Buyers pay for goods or services online but never receive the items. |
| Non-Payment Scams | Sellers ship goods or services but do not receive payment. |
| Gift Card Fraud | Sellers request payment via prepaid gift cards. |
| Impersonation of Legitimate Charities | Scammers create fake organizations with names similar to reputable ones to deceive donors. |
| High-Pressure Tactics | Fraudsters pressure individuals to donate quickly, often claiming urgent needs. |
| Untraceable Payment Methods | Requests for donations via wire transfers, gift cards, or prepaid cards. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
