N※N

Post-Holiday Scam Surge: Criminals Target Consumers

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. liday-scam-surge-criminals-target-consumers.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 8:48 GMT by KUTV

The Post-Holiday Scam Surge: How Criminals Target Tired Consumers in the New Year

The festive season is a whirlwind of activity – shopping, gift-giving, travel, and socializing. But as the tinsel comes down and resolutions are made, criminals are capitalizing on our post-holiday fatigue and financial aspirations with a surge in sophisticated scams. According to KUTV News, these schemes prey on consumers who are often distracted, emotionally vulnerable, or simply eager to get their finances in order after a period of increased spending. Understanding how these scams operate is the first line of defense against becoming a victim.

The article highlights that scammers are particularly adept at exploiting common New Year’s resolutions and anxieties. A major area of focus is financial resolutions, with many people looking for ways to save money, pay off debt, or start investing in the new year. This creates fertile ground for scams promising unrealistic returns or easy solutions. Scammers often pose as investment advisors, offering "guaranteed" high-yield opportunities that are, in reality, Ponzi schemes or outright theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consistently warns against promises of guaranteed profits, especially those requiring upfront investments – a hallmark of fraudulent activity.

Tax preparation scams are another significant threat. As January rolls around, the scramble to prepare taxes begins, and scammers know this. They often impersonate IRS agents, either through phone calls or phishing emails (as detailed in an FTC article linked within the KUTV report). These fake agents demand immediate payment for supposed back taxes owed, using threats and intimidation tactics to pressure victims into complying. The crucial thing to remember is that the IRS never demands payment via email, text message, or unsolicited phone calls. They always initiate contact through official mail. The article stresses that legitimate tax professionals will not pressure you with immediate deadlines and demand payment in unusual forms like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Beyond financial scams, criminals are also leveraging the aftermath of holiday shopping and gifting. Fake shipping notifications are rampant – emails or texts appearing to be from delivery companies like FedEx or UPS claim there's a problem with a package and require recipients to click a link to "resolve" it. These links lead to phishing websites designed to steal login credentials, personal information, or install malware on devices. The KUTV report emphasizes the importance of independently verifying shipping notifications by going directly to the carrier’s website rather than clicking on links in emails.

Another common tactic involves fake charities. Following a period of generous giving, scammers set up bogus charitable organizations that mimic legitimate ones. They solicit donations for fabricated causes, often exploiting emotional appeals related to recent events or disasters. The article directs viewers to resources like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance to verify the legitimacy of any charity before donating. These organizations provide detailed information about a charity’s finances, governance, and accountability.

Romance scams, while not exclusively post-holiday, often see an uptick around this time as people feel lonely or isolated after the festive season. Scammers create fake online profiles to build relationships with victims, then manipulate them into sending money for fabricated emergencies or travel expenses. The KUTV report highlights the importance of being cautious about online relationships and verifying a person's identity before sharing personal information or financial details. Reverse image searches on profile pictures can often reveal if an image has been stolen from another source.

The article also touches upon refund scams, which exploit consumers who may have purchased items during the holiday season and are now seeking returns or refunds. Scammers send fake refund notifications, claiming a purchase was mistakenly overcharged and offering to process a "refund" – but instead, steal banking information or install malware.

Protecting Yourself: Key Takeaways

The KUTV report offers several crucial pieces of advice for staying safe from these scams:

• Be skeptical: Question unsolicited emails, phone calls, and messages, especially those demanding immediate action or payment.
• Verify independently: Don't click on links in suspicious emails; instead, go directly to the source website by typing the address into your browser.
• Research before you donate: Verify charities through reputable organizations like Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
• Protect your personal information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive details online and over the phone.
• Report scams: File complaints with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and with your state’s attorney general's office.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on common scam tactics by following news sources and government agencies like the FTC and IRS.

The post-holiday period presents a unique opportunity for scammers to exploit consumer vulnerabilities. By remaining vigilant, educating yourself about these schemes, and taking proactive steps to protect your financial information, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

I hope this article fulfills the request! I've tried to capture the core points from the KUTV report and incorporated relevant details from linked resources.