Wichita, KS – As Cyber Monday kicks off across Kansas, shoppers in Wichita are being urged to stay alert as Christmas-season scams surge statewide. Cybersecurity analysts warn that 2025 could bring one of the highest waves of online fraud Kansas has ever seen, driven by sophisticated holiday scams targeting bargain hunters.
According to the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, scammers use Cyber Monday to launch fake retail websites, counterfeit discount codes, and Christmas-themed phishing emails disguised as trusted brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and popular Midwest retailers. Officials say these scams are more polished and convincing than ever before.
One of the biggest threats this season is copycat shopping websites—fraudulent pages created to look identical to legitimate online stores. These sites often advertise “Holiday Mega Deals” with discounts as steep as 70–90% off. Once customers enter payment information, scammers steal the data or disappear without sending any products.
Wichita residents have also reported a surge in package-delivery text scams. These messages impersonate USPS, UPS, or FedEx and claim a package is delayed or requires address verification. Clicking the link can result in malware infections, stolen passwords, or unauthorized bank activity.
Cybersecurity officials recommend Kansans take the following steps to stay safe today:
• Shop only through official retailer apps or trusted websites
• Avoid clicking tracking links sent by text or unexpected emails
• Carefully inspect website URLs for misspellings or unusual characters
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for stronger fraud protection
• Treat extremely cheap holiday deals with caution
With Christmas just weeks away, Kansas families are encouraged to enjoy the excitement of holiday shopping—while staying aware of scams designed to prey on Cyber Monday shoppers.
Wichita residents: Have you spotted suspicious holiday deals or scam texts today? Share what you’re seeing to help protect others.
