Denver, CO – Colorado shoppers diving into Cyber Monday deals are being urged to stay cautious as a wave of sophisticated holiday scams targets consumers across the state. Cybersecurity specialists say the 2025 Christmas shopping season may see one of the highest increases in online fraud attempts, with Denver residents being hit the hardest.
Cyber Monday has become a prime opportunity for criminals to exploit hurried shoppers looking for fast discounts. According to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, scammers are deploying fake retail websites, phony discount promotions, and Christmas-themed phishing emails that closely mimic trusted retailers. Officials warn that these scams are evolving so quickly that even experienced online buyers may struggle to recognize them during high-pressure flash sales.
Surge in Fake Retail Websites Targeting Colorado Shoppers
One of the most dangerous risks this year is the rise in copycat retail websites. These fraudulent pages imitate the appearance of major brands such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and even well-known Colorado retailers. They promote dramatic holiday offers like 70–90% off electronics, toys, and seasonal gifts to pull shoppers in.
Once a buyer enters payment information, scammers capture credit or debit details, complete unauthorized charges, or disappear without delivering the product. Security analysts say these sites are becoming nearly identical to real pages, making URL inspection crucial.
Package Delivery Text Scams Increase Ahead of Christmas
Denver residents have also reported a growing number of delivery-related text scams. These messages impersonate USPS, UPS, or FedEx and claim that a package is delayed, missing address information, or needs verification before delivery.
When clicked, the link may install malware, redirect consumers to credential-harvesting pages, or request personal and banking details. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office notes that these scams spike between Thanksgiving and Christmas due to the heavy volume of package shipments.
How Scammers Use Holiday Pressure to Trick Buyers
Cybersecurity experts say scammers intentionally capitalize on the urgency of flash sales and the emotional excitement of the Christmas season. Many people are rushing to find gifts and may overlook small red flags.
Officials emphasize that criminals are now using:
- Holiday-themed phishing emails with branded logos
- Fake customer-support chat windows
- Fraudulent “limited-time” coupon codes
- Pop-up offers claiming to verify identity or shipping details
These tactics are particularly effective because scammers mix them with real brand imagery and seasonal messaging.
Tips for Denver Shoppers to Stay Safe Online
Cyber officials recommend several steps to prevent fraud during Cyber Monday and the Christmas shopping rush. Experts stress that extra caution today can prevent financial losses through the rest of the holiday season.
Key safety practices include:
- Shopping only through official retailer apps or verified websites
- Avoiding unexpected tracking links sent via text or email
- Carefully checking URLs for misspellings or unusual symbols
- Using credit cards instead of debit cards for stronger fraud protection
- Treating extremely steep discounts as possible scam attempts
The Attorney General’s Office also encourages consumers to enable two-factor authentication, monitor bank activity frequently, and report suspicious websites immediately.
Why Colorado Is a Major Target This Year
Analysts say Colorado’s growing e-commerce volume and high rate of mobile shopping make it a prime target for nationwide scam networks. Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are among the top areas reporting fraudulent activity since Thanksgiving weekend.
Denver’s strong retail market and high number of holiday shipments contribute to the increase, drawing scammers who rely on volume to find victims.
Families Encouraged to Shop Smart This Season
With Christmas less than four weeks away, many households across the Front Range are excited to take advantage of seasonal deals. Officials emphasize that Coloradans can still enjoy holiday shopping as long as they stay aware of the risks.
Cybersecurity experts say the simplest rule is to pause before clicking and verify every link, website, and promotional message—especially when an offer seems unusually good.
Have you noticed suspicious messages or fake deals this season? Share your experience in the comments below.
