Online scams rise during the holiday season, making awareness essential. As the year-end holidays approach, fraudsters ramp up their efforts – from fake shopping deals to charity scams – hoping to catch people off guard. In recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week, this post highlights key safety tips to help you avoid scams. It explains how sendvalu’s secure systems ensure reliable, transparent, and protected money transfers worldwide.

What Is International Fraud Awareness Week?

International Fraud Awareness Week (also known simply as Fraud Week) is a global campaign to educate people and organizations about fraud and how to combat it. Launched by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in 2000, it has grown into an annual worldwide initiative to promote anti-fraud awareness and education. The ACFE – the world’s largest anti-fraud organization with over 90,000 members – organizes Fraud Week each year. During this week, hundreds of companies, government agencies, and communities around the world host training sessions, share resources, and spread tips on preventing fraud. In short, International Fraud Awareness Week is about empowering everyone to recognize fraud and make smarter choices to avoid it.

When is International Fraud Awareness Week? It typically takes place in mid-November every year. For example, in 2024, it ran from November 17–23, and in 2025, it is scheduled for November 16–22. This timing is deliberate – coming just before the busy holiday season when scam activity often peaks. By observing Fraud Week each November, organizations aim to arm people with knowledge right before fraudsters try to exploit the year’s busiest shopping and charitable giving period.

Fraud isn’t a minor issue – it’s a global problem that affects individuals, businesses, and economies. In fact, certified fraud examiners estimate that organizations lose about 5% of their annual revenue to fraud. That staggering impact is why Fraud Week’s mission of awareness is so critical. The more people know about common scams and fraud tactics, the better they can protect themselves and their communities.

Why Scams Spike During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a prime time for scams, and fraudsters know it. People are busy buying gifts, hunting for deals, donating to charities, and generally in a generous, festive mood – which unfortunately creates opportunities for criminals. As one warning puts it, during the holidays, “criminals will try to scam us with too-good-to-be-true deals or even fake charities.” Scammers prey on the seasonal rush and goodwill: they set up phony online stores advertising huge discounts, send out fake shipping notifications or e-cards laced with malware, and impersonate charities or relatives in need of help. In the frenzy of holiday preparations, even careful people can be more susceptible to clicking a malicious link or trusting a convincing lie.

Studies confirm that cybercrime surges around the holidays. For example, phishing attempts (fraudulent emails or messages designed to steal your information) have been shown to jump by as much as 400% between the “normal” month of October and the start of the holiday season in November. One analysis found an estimated 8 million online attacks per day during a recent holiday season – a 60% increase over typical levels. These spikes occur because scammers take advantage of our holiday behaviors: we’re shopping online more (often on unfamiliar sites), eagerly seeking Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, sending gifts and money, and may be distracted or in a hurry. Attackers time their scams to align with these activities, making fraudulent communications appear relevant and urgent.

Additionally, emotions run high during holidays – excitement, stress, generosity – and scammers exploit them. You might get an email that appears to be from a retailer about an unbeatable deal, pushing you to “act now.” Or a message from “customer support” asking you to verify an order you never placed. Or a plea from someone impersonating a charity or a friend in trouble, asking for an immediate money transfer. These are classic ploys. Awareness is essential at this time of year: by staying alert to the red flags, you can enjoy the season without falling victim to a scammer’s tricks.

Fraud is truly international in scope. While scams happen in every country, certain fraud schemes have historically thrived in particular regions. For instance, Nigeria became notorious for so-called “419 scams” (the classic advance-fee email swindles promising a share of a fortune) – in fact, Nigeria was a pioneer in many early internet scams. Similarly, organized call centers in India have been linked to widespread tech support scams, where someone phones pretending to fix a computer issue but instead gains access to your device and accounts. Sophisticated banking malware attacks have even been traced to groups in Turkey, while phishing rings in Morocco target victims across Europe and the Middle East. These examples show that fraud can originate anywhere – and target anyone, anywhere. No country is immune, and scammers often operate across borders. This is why international fraud awareness is so important: a fraudster halfway around the world could still target you online. The good news is that by understanding how these scams work, you can spot the warning signs and protect yourself, no matter where the threat comes from.

Key Fraud Prevention Tips for Safe Holiday Transfers

Knowledge is power. By following a few fraud prevention tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling for a scam during the holidays or any time of year. Here are some essential practices to keep you and your money safe:

• Stay Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Be suspicious if someone contacts you out of the blue asking for money, personal details, or account access. Scammers often impersonate legitimate institutions or people to trick you. Verify the person or company’s identity through official channels before you respond. For example, if you get an email about a problem with your bank account, don’t click any links – instead, call your bank’s verified customer service number to check. If a stranger requests a money transfer, alarm bells should ring. As the U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns: “Never wire money to anyone you haven’t met in person — no matter the reason they give.” Scammers pressure victims to use wire transfers or money transfer apps because it’s like sending cash – once it’s gone, it’s very hard to get back. No legitimate organization or friend will demand that you send money immediately to a random account.
• Double-Check Deals and Charities: During the holidays, beware of offers that seem too good to be true – they usually are. Scammers create fake websites or social media ads with unbelievably low prices on hot items, or send text messages claiming you’ve won a prize or gift card. Before you click or buy, research the seller or offer. Look for reviews, verify the website URL (is it the exact correct spelling of the retailer’s site?), and be cautious of retailers that ask for unusual payment methods like wire transfers, crypto, or gift cards. Likewise, if you’re donating to charity, confirm the charity’s legitimacy (for example, through its official website or a site like CharityNavigator) rather than trusting a link sent in an email. Fraudsters know many people feel generous during holidays and may pose as charities or even as family members in need. Take a moment to verify every request for money or personal information – a quick pause can save you from a costly mistake.
• Be Cautious with Emails, Links, and Attachments: A common fraud tactic is phishing – sending emails or messages that look legitimate but contain malicious links or attachments. This holiday season (and year-round), do not click links or download files from unsolicited emails or texts. Even if a message appears to come from a company you know (like Amazon, PayPal, or a government agency), it could be spoofed. Check the sender’s email address carefully and look for signs of a scam (generic greetings, spelling mistakes, urgent demands, etc.). If you’re unsure, visit the company’s site directly or call them—don’t use the contact info provided in a suspicious message. Never provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited email or pop-up. Legitimate companies won’t ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details via email. By being vigilant with every message, you can avoid most email-based scams.
• Secure Your Accounts and Devices: Good security habits are your best defense. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible – especially for email, banking, and payment apps. Strong passwords and 2FA make it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts, even if they somehow get your login or trick you with a phishing email. Keep your software and devices updated with the latest security patches. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that scammers exploit, so don’t ignore those update reminders on your phone or computer. Also, install reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools, and keep them updated. These can catch many threats before they cause harm. Finally, consider setting up alerts on your financial accounts – many banks or services (including sendvalu) offer notifications for transactions. Real-time alerts can tip you off if anything unusual happens, so you can respond quickly.
• Use Trusted, Secure Platforms for Money Transfers: When sending money – whether for holiday gifts, helping family abroad, or any reason – choose secure and reputable services. Avoid wiring money or sending payments to people you don’t know. Instead, rely on well-established transfer companies or banks that have strong fraud prevention in place. For example, sendvalu is a global money transfer service that prioritizes security at every step. The sendvalu platform is fully licensed and authorized by the Malta Financial Services Authority and complies with the strict EU Payment Services Directive, meaning it meets high regulatory standards for safety. The platform uses robust encryption (SSL) to protect your data during transmission, and it does not store sensitive information like your credit card number on its servers. In addition to advanced automated security, sendvalu employs an international team that actively monitors transactions. They may even reach out via email, phone, or video chat to verify your identity if something looks unusual – this personal approach helps prevent fraud and keep your transfers safe. Thanks to these measures, sendvalu can offer a 100% money-back guarantee on transfers, ensuring your funds are protected. Using a secure service means you can send money with confidence, knowing that there are safeguards against scams on both the sender’s and receiver’s end.

Empowering You to Make Smarter, Safer Choices

Fraudsters might be getting smarter and more brazen – especially during the holiday rush – but you can stay one step ahead. International Fraud Awareness Week serves as a reminder that knowledge and vigilance are our best weapons against fraud. By understanding common scam tactics and practicing the safety tips above, you are empowering yourself to spot scams before they spot you. This not only protects your own finances but also helps create a more secure online community for everyone.

Remember, staying safe from fraud doesn’t mean you have to live in fear; it just means staying informed and a bit cautious. Trust your instincts – if something feels off or too perfect, double-check it. Lean on trustworthy institutions and secure services like sendvalu for your international transfers, because they invest heavily in keeping your money and data safe. With awareness and the right tools, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping, digital payments, and global money transfers without falling victim to scams.

This holiday season, as online scam attempts reach their peak, take comfort in knowing you know to make smarter choices. Spread the word to family and friends about fraud prevention, and don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity to authorities if you encounter it. By staying alert and using secure channels, you can celebrate the holidays with peace of mind. Reliable, transparent, and protected transfers are possible – and together, we can ensure fraudsters end up on the naughty list where they belong, while you keep your finances merry and bright.

Stay safe, stay informed, and happy holidays!

Sources:

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners – The ACFE’s International Fraud Awareness Week Connects Organizations Worldwide in Fight Against Fraud

International Fraud Awareness Week – November 16-22, 2025 Join the global effort to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education

CybeReady Security Blog – The Facts About Phishing Scams and the Holiday Season

Citizens Savings Bank – Fraud Corner

Feedzai – The Top 5 Hot Spots for Fraud Around the World

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice – Warning never to wire money to strangers

Gateway Bank – FDIC: Avoiding Scams and Scammers

sendvalu Security – Send money safely online via sendvalu