Fargo, ND – As Cyber Monday shopping ramps up across North Dakota, state officials are urging Fargo residents to stay cautious as Christmas-season scams surge. Cybersecurity experts say 2025 could be one of the heaviest fraud years the state has ever seen, with scammers targeting shoppers eager for holiday deals.
According to the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, online criminals often use Cyber Monday to release waves of fake retail websites, bogus discount codes, and Christmas-themed phishing emails disguised as trusted brands like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Officials warn that many of these scams look more legitimate than ever before.
One of the fastest-growing threats to North Dakotans this year is copycat retail websites. These fraudulent pages imitate real stores and advertise extremely steep “Holiday Mega Deals” offering 70–90% off electronics, toys, and gifts. Once victims enter payment information, the scammers steal card data or disappear altogether.
Fargo residents are also reporting a rise in delivery-text scams, where messages claim a UPS, USPS, or FedEx package is delayed or requires immediate address confirmation. Clicking the link can lead to malware infections or stolen banking information.
Cybersecurity officials recommend several steps to stay safe this Christmas season:
• Use only official retailer apps or verified store websites
• Avoid clicking tracking links from texts or unexpected emails
• Check URLs for strange spellings or unusual characters
• Use credit cards instead of debit for stronger fraud protection
• Treat extremely cheap deals as red flags for potential scams
With Christmas just weeks away, North Dakota families are encouraged to enjoy the excitement of the holiday shopping season—while staying alert to scammers targeting Cyber Monday shoppers.
Fargo residents: Have you seen suspicious holiday deals or scam texts today? Share what you’re noticing to help protect others.
