Between packed calendars, last-minute errands and end-of-year deadlines, scammers know this is the season when people are most likely to act fast instead of double-checking. These two schemes often blend right into the holiday hustle.
The “Boss Needs Gift Cards” Urgency Scam
It lands like a December fire drill: a message that looks like it’s from your boss or HR asking you to grab gift cards right now for a client, employee gifts or a surprise thank-you—because they’re “stuck in a meeting.” In 2025, this scam is still unwrapping major losses for workplaces, draining anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 in a single afternoon. The holiday pressure to be helpful and responsive makes it especially effective. Remember, legitimate employers don’t request gift cards over email or chat. When in doubt, pick up the phone and verify before spending a dime.
Public Wi-Fi “Evil Twin” Hotspots
Holiday shopping trips, airport layovers and coffee-fuelled errands often come with free Wi-Fi—and that’s where scammers hang their mistletoe. Fake networks with names like “Mall_Guest_WiFi” or “Airport_Free_5G” are designed to look trustworthy while quietly stealing logins and personal data. To keep your holiday plans secure, use your phone’s hotspot or a trusted VPN, and avoid checking bank accounts or work systems on public Wi-Fi.
A little extra caution can keep these grinches from stealing more than just your holiday cheer.
