Just when you think the holiday rush is behind you, a new wave of emails and texts starts appearing. Your return couldn’t be processed. Your package is delayed. You’ve been charged for something you don’t recognize.

This is the post-holiday danger zone, when scammers strike while people are still sorting through returns, refunds, and deliveries. The gifts may be opened, but the fraud season is just getting started.

The Return That “Didn’t Go Through”

After the holidays, many people send back clothes that didn’t fit or duplicate gifts they didn’t need. Scammers know this and take advantage by sending messages claiming there was a problem with your return. The note may say your refund is on hold or that additional information is required to complete the process.

The link looks official. The timing feels right. One click later, you’re on a fake website designed to collect your login credentials or payment information.

Red flag: Legitimate retailers do not ask you to re-enter credit card details to complete a return. If something is wrong, you will see it when you log in to your account directly.

Fake USPS and UPS Messages That Arrive Late

Post-holiday shipping delays are common, which makes fake delivery alerts especially convincing. These messages claim a package is stuck, misrouted, or undeliverable and invite you to click a link to resolve the issue.

Often, the message does not mention what was shipped or who sent it. That vagueness is intentional. Scammers are counting on you to assume it relates to a recent gift or return.

Red flag: If you did not sign up for alerts or do not recognize the tracking number, don’t click that link. Delivery companies do not randomly text customers asking for personal information.

The “Unexpected Charge” Scam

As holiday bills arrive, scammers send phishing emails or calls claiming an expensive purchase or subscription has been charged to your account. The message pressures you to act quickly to dispute the charge before it is finalized.

This tactic is effective because unfamiliar transactions are common after periods of heavy spending, and urgency can trigger panic instead of caution.

Red flag: Legitimate financial institutions do not ask you to resolve charges through email links or urgent requests. Always verify charges by logging directly into your bank or credit card account using trusted channels.

Why Post-Holiday Scams Are So Effective

After the holidays, people are tired, distracted, and trying to clean up loose ends. Receipts are scattered. Packages arrived weeks apart. Refunds take time. Scammers thrive in that confusion.

They do not need to know what you bought or returned. They just need you to believe that the message could be legitimate.

Smart Precautions to Take Now

You do not need to treat every message like a threat, but a few habits can make a big difference:

• Go directly to retailer and carrier websites instead of clicking links in messages.
• Check sender email addresses carefully for small spelling changes or extra characters.
• Match emails against your actual activity. No order means no shipment.
• Review bank and credit card statements regularly rather than relying on email alerts.
• Take a pause before reacting. Urgency is a common manipulation tactic.

If You Already Clicked

If you clicked a suspicious link or entered information, act quickly. Change affected passwords, notify your bank or card issuer, and report the message as phishing. Early action can prevent bigger problems later.

The Bottom Line

The holiday season may be over, but scammers know the aftermath is when people are most vulnerable. Returns, delayed packages, and unexpected charges are normal this time of year. Fake messages are not.

Learn more about Oakland County’s Information Security Office here. Visit their Citizen Cyber Training portal for online education and online cybersecurity resources to help understand risks and be better prepared for a more secure online experience.

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