Thanksgiving Week Scams: How to Spot Fake Donations, Delivery Texts, and More

 

Many families try to keep things simple during Thanksgiving week but scams often appear when people are busy with plans and not paying close attention.

Thanksgiving week brings family gatherings, shared meals, and shopping lists that seem to grow each day. Many people look forward to time off and warm moments with relatives. Stores offer large sales. Charities ask for seasonal donations. Delivery trucks move through every neighborhood. This is also the time when scammers step into the picture.

People are often more generous and distracted during the holidays. That mix creates easy openings for fraud. Scammers pretend to be charities. They send fake shipping alerts. They create emails that look like real donation requests. They use small details that feel familiar. They count on you being busy or trusting.

A national survey from AARP in 2024 found that 82% of adults had either been targeted or affected by a holiday-related scam. That means most people have seen at least one scam attempt during this time of year. Understanding how these scams work gives you control. It lets you protect yourself and your family.

This guide walks through the most common holiday scams and how to spot them before they cause harm.

Why Scammers Target Thanksgiving Week

People spend more money during this season. Groceries, travel, gifts, decorations, and charity giving all rise. Scammers know that people expect more charges and deliveries. They use that expectation to slip in messages or calls that look normal.

Many people also try to help others during this time. They donate to charity drives or community events. Scammers pretend to represent good causes. They use emotional language and phrases tied to family or tradition.

Online shopping also increases during this period. Norton's Cyber Safety Insights Report for Holiday 2024 found that 48% of online shoppers said they were targeted by scams while shopping for holiday items. People shop on phones or while multitasking. This makes it easier to click something without checking.

People are also preparing food, traveling, or cleaning before guests arrive. They may answer calls and texts faster than usual. This split attention gives scammers more room to move.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch For

Here are the scams that show up most often during holiday week and how to recognize them.

1. Fake Charity Drives

Scammers often pose as charities during Thanksgiving week. They may call or send messages asking for donations to support families, veterans, seniors, or children. Some copy real charity names and logos.

Signs of a fake charity drive:

• They cannot explain how donations are used
• They push for immediate payment
• They only accept gift cards or wire transfers
• Their name is close to a real charity but not exact

Look up the organization before donating. Real charities are registered.

2. Phishing Donation Emails

Phishing emails try to trick you into clicking a link or giving personal information. These messages may look like they come from well-known charities. They may thank you for a donation you never made. They may claim your donation did not process and needs to be resubmitted.

Signs of phishing donation emails:

• The email address is slightly different from the real one
• Links do not go to the official website
• They push for quick action
• Language feels off or forced

Delete messages that seem suspicious.

3. Fake Delivery Notices

Online shopping increases during Thanksgiving week. Scammers send text messages or emails pretending to be shipping companies. They claim a package is delayed or needs address confirmation. The link may go to a fake website designed to collect payment details.

Signs of fake delivery notices:

• The message does not include your name
• The tracking link looks unfamiliar
• You do not recall ordering from that carrier
• They request payment to release the package

Enter tracking numbers directly on the carrier website only.

4. Social Media Giveaways and Gift Exchanges

You may see posts that invite you to join a "gift exchange" or donate one gift in return for many. These are often pyramid schemes. Scammers also use fake brand giveaways to collect names, addresses, or phone numbers.

Signs of a fake social media giveaway:

• They ask for personal details
• They promise much more than you give
• The brand page has very few posts
• Comments repeat the same phrases

5. Family Impersonation Scams

Some scammers pretend to be relatives who need help. They may contact older adults and claim to be a grandchild stuck while traveling. They ask for money quickly and tell the person not to inform other family members.

Signs of family impersonation scams:

• They request urgent money
• They refuse video or voice calls
• They ask for gift cards or digital payments

Always verify through another phone number.

How to Spot Red Flags

These signs can help you notice when something is not right before you respond.

• Pressure to Act Fast

Scammers try to prevent you from thinking. Requests that sound rushed should raise concern.

• Requests for Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency

Real companies and charities do not ask for payment in forms that cannot be traced.

• Suspicious Links or Attachments

If you are unsure, do not click. Even one click can lead to data theft.

• Unverified Caller IDs or Email Addresses 

Caller ID and email names can be changed to appear real. Check the source before responding. You can use an email verification tool to check if the sender's address is real and active before replying. This helps you avoid emails that are fake or created for scam attempts. It can also detect toxic emails, which are known to be tied to spam, abuse, or bot activity. Filtering these out lowers the chance of clicking something harmful.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

These steps make it easier to stay protected while still enjoying the season.

1. Verify Charities Before Donating

Use a public charity search to confirm the group is real. Take your time before sending any money.

2. Confirm Delivery Notices from Official Sites

Visit the shipping company website directly. Do not trust the link in the message.

3. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup Tool

If you get a call or text from a number you do not recognize, take a moment and verify it first. Scammers often use numbers that look local so the call feels normal. A reverse phone lookup tool helps you see who the number belongs to and may show details such as known aliases, phone type, address information, and email address. This small step helps you avoid responding to messages that are not real.

4. Talk With Family About Scams 

Share what you learned with others in your home. Scammers often target older adults and teens. Encourage them to verify before acting.

What To Do If You Were Targeted

Stop all contact. Do not reply again. Change account passwords if you shared any information. Contact your bank if payment details were sent.

Report the scam:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report website
• Your bank or card provider
• The platform where the scam took place

Do not feel embarrassed. Many people fall for scams because the message or call seems normal. Fast action reduces harm.

Closing Thoughts

Thanksgiving week is about family and shared moments. It is natural to want to help others and enjoy the season. Scammers try to take advantage of that. Staying aware keeps your holiday safe and peaceful.

Slow down when you get unexpected messages. Look closely before sending money or personal information. Verify before responding. Talk with your family. Awareness protects the moments that matter. Don't forget to enjoy your holiday and stay safe.