Charlotte, NC – As millions of North Carolinians dive into Cyber Monday deals today, state officials are warning Charlotte residents to stay cautious as Christmas-season scams surge across the state. Cybersecurity experts say 2025 could bring the largest wave of holiday fraud ever recorded in North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, scammers typically use Cyber Monday to deploy fake retail websites, bogus coupon codes, and Christmas-themed phishing emails designed to look like legitimate brands. This year’s attempts are more sophisticated, more targeted, and harder for shoppers to detect.
One of the most common threats facing Charlotte residents is copycat retail websites. These fraudulent pages closely mimic Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and even popular local Carolinas-based retailers. The scam sites often advertise massive “Holiday Blowout” deals—sometimes claiming 80–90% off Christmas gifts—before stealing payment information or disappearing entirely.
Charlotte-area shoppers are also seeing an increase in package-delivery text scams. These messages impersonate USPS, UPS, or FedEx and claim a package is delayed or needs “immediate address confirmation.” Clicking the link can expose victims to malware or financial theft.
Cybersecurity officials recommend several key steps to stay safe during today’s Cyber Monday rush:
• Use only official retailer apps or verified websites
• Never click tracking links sent by text or unexpected email
• Check URLs carefully for subtle spelling errors or unusual characters
• Use credit cards instead of debit for better fraud protection
• Avoid any deal that seems dramatically underpriced
With Christmas now less than a month away, officials hope North Carolina families enjoy the excitement of the season—while staying alert to online threats targeting holiday shoppers.
Charlotte residents: Have you seen suspicious holiday deals or scam texts today? Share what you’re noticing to help protect others.
