Maryland AG Warns Of Rising Holiday Scams, Offers Tips For Safe Shopping And Giving

By FOX45
Posted on 11/26/25 | News Source: FOX45

Baltimore, MD - Nov. 26, 2025 - With the year’s busiest shopping days just ahead, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is urging consumers to stay alert for sophisticated holiday scams fueled by rapidly advancing fraud technology.

The warning comes amid record-breaking levels of consumer fraud.

In 2024, Americans reported more than $12.5 billion in losses — a 25% jump from the previous year, according to Federal Trade Commission.

“Every year, scammers target Marylanders looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones,” said Brown, via press release. “This shopping season, verify the retailer you’re buying from and secure your payment information. Don’t let a too-good-to-be-true deal cost more than you bargained for.”

AI Supercharges Scammer Tactics

The Attorney General’s Office noted that artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era of deception.

Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice-cloning tools, sometimes requiring only a few seconds of recorded audio, to impersonate trusted individuals.

These tools enhance traditional schemes — including fake retail sites, phishing emails, and misleading social media ads — making them harder to spot during the hectic holiday season.

The pressure to act quickly on major sales days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday creates ideal conditions for fraud, officials warn.

Fake websites, bogus advertisements, and gift card scams are especially prevalent in November and December.

Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

The Attorney General’s Office offered several recommendations to help consumers protect themselves:

• Research retailers carefully. Check reviews and ensure the business provides clear, accessible customer service information.
• Secure your payments. Type retailer URLs directly into your browser to avoid spoofed sites. Only enter payment information on sites beginning with “https.”
• Avoid suspicious ads. Social media promotions and unsolicited emails can direct shoppers to fraudulent pages designed to steal information or install malware.
• Buy gift cards safely. Purchase cards directly from a retailer—never from auction sites or individuals. Inspect packaging in-store and avoid online offers for “free” gift cards, which commonly harvest personal information.

The office directs consumers to its Gift Cards Consumer’s Edge publication for more detailed guidance.

Charitable Giving: Verify Before You Donate

The holiday season is also a peak time for charity scams. Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Brown advises donors to:

• Confirm a charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State.
• Review financials and mission statements on sites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator.
• Be cautious of urgent or high-pressure appeals.

More charitable giving tips can be found in the Consumer’s Edge guide, “Keeping Your Eyes Open When Donating to Charities.”

Consumers who believe they’ve been victims of fraud can file complaints by calling the Consumer Protection Division hotline at (410) 528-8662 or toll-free at (888) 743-0023.