New Orleans, LA – As Cyber Monday kicks off across Louisiana, shoppers in New Orleans are being urged to stay alert for a surge in Christmas-season online scams. Cybersecurity analysts warn that 2025 could bring one of the biggest waves of holiday fraud the state has ever experienced.
According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, scammers commonly use Cyber Monday to unleash fake retail websites, misleading holiday coupon codes, and Christmas-themed phishing emails designed to impersonate trusted brands. Officials say criminals depend on shoppers acting quickly—especially when deals appear to be expiring.
One of the largest threats this year is copycat retail websites. These scam pages closely mimic retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and even well-known Louisiana and Gulf Coast businesses. They often promote “Holiday Mega Deals” offering up to 80–90% off electronics, toys, and Christmas gifts. Once payment is entered, scammers either steal the card information or vanish entirely.
New Orleans residents are also reporting a rise in package-delivery text scams. These messages impersonate USPS, UPS, or FedEx and claim a shipment is delayed or requires immediate address verification. Clicking the link can expose victims to malware, stolen passwords, or fraudulent bank activity.
Cybersecurity officials recommend several steps for staying safe today:
• Use only official retailer apps or verified shopping websites
• Avoid clicking tracking links received by text or unexpected emails
• Check URLs carefully for misspellings or unusual characters
• Use credit cards instead of debit for stronger fraud protection
• Treat steep holiday discounts with caution—they may be bait
With Christmas less than a month away, Louisiana families are encouraged to enjoy the holiday excitement—while staying alert to scammers targeting Cyber Monday shoppers.
New Orleans residents: Have you seen suspicious holiday deals or scam texts today? Share your experience to help protect others.
