Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NY AG warns holiday shopping season is the busiest time of year for cyberscammers
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Nov 29, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Nov 29, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The five days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday are the busiest time of the year for shopping — and cyberscams, according to New York state Attorney General Letitia James, who warned consumers to stay vigilant and protect their personal information.
“The holidays should be a joyful time for New Yorkers to connect with loved ones, support local businesses, and give back to their communities,” James said. “Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of this time of year to ramp up their frauds. As New Yorkers begin their holiday shopping, I urge everyone to take caution to protect themselves and their personal information.”
TransUnion found that digital fraud attempts were up 12% on those five days last year compared to the rest of 2023 prior to Thanksgiving. The FBI also reported that about 12,000 people lost more than $73 million to fraud during the 2022 holiday shopping season.
According to the FBI, fraudulent ads and internet storefronts offering holiday discounts that seem too good to be true are among this year’s most common scams. The bureau also warned of charity-related scams as well as scams involving gift cards, cryptocurrency and social media.
James recommended sticking to reputable retailers and verifying a website’s URL or customer service telephone number before entering personal or credit card information. She advised consumers to be wary of emails offering holiday discounts and free gift cards. James also said holiday shoppers should use secure home Internet networks rather than public Wi-Fi, and added that they should review all charges.
New Yorkers can report fraudulent emails and offers to James’ office by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.
Tagged
public safety
new york state
Rosemary Misdary
Rosemary is health & science reporter. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-544-9524.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
ICE agent fires 7 rounds, shoots man in neck in NYC's Marble Hill, NYPD says
Police say the man arrived at a hospital in stable condition and a 5-year-old boy in his SUV is safe.
By
Giulia Heyward
and
Arya Sundaram
Published Oct 8, 2026 at 5:33 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 8, 2026 at 11:48 p.m. ET
Lazy drivers in Prospect Heights lose chance for 1 less day of alternate-side parking
A pilot found that drivers actually complied with alternate-side less when fewer days were in effect.
By
Liam Quigley
News
Lazy drivers in Prospect Heights lose chance for 1 less day of alternate-side parking
A pilot found that drivers actually complied with alternate-side less when fewer days were in effect.
By
Liam Quigley
Jersey City mayor shakes up staff amid $255M budget gap
By
Michael Sol Warren
Bronx residents will be exempt from new Medicaid work rule, state officials say
By
Caroline Lewis
MTA chair accuses Andy Byford, who's leading Penn Station rebuild, of going 'full MAGA'
By
Stephen Nessen
and
Carol Chen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .