The 12 Days of Scams: A Holiday Cybersecurity Carol

As we gear up for the 2024 holiday season and step boldly toward 2025, cyber scammers are not just targeting consumers, they’re aiming their sleigh of tricks directly at businesses, too. From cleverly forged invoices to impersonated holiday greetings sent in the name of trusted vendors; the holiday hustle can catch businesses off guard. Welcome to our updated edition of "The 12 Days of Scams," where we deck these digital halls with both consumer and business-to-business (B2B) warnings, ensuring your organization stays secure in this season of goodwill.

Our Story Begins:

Day 1: AI-Powered Phishing Emails

Scam: "On the first day of Christmas, the scammers sang with glee: AI-tailored phishing notes that fool you and me!"

Modern phishing emails are infused with generative AI to mimic trusted brands, business partners, or even key internal stakeholders. For businesses, these might look like urgent supplier updates, end-of-year contract renewals, or special “corporate holiday discounts” on crucial software or services.

Avoidance Tip: Train employees to verify the sender’s domain, especially for unexpected emails requesting invoice payments or sensitive data. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), use email security gateways, and establish strong internal policies to confirm requests through a secondary communication channel (like a phone call) before acting.

Day 2: Deepfake Charity Appeals

Scam: "On the second day of Christmas, the scammers faked with cheer: Charities claiming help for causes far and near!"

Holiday giving campaigns extend into corporate philanthropy, too. Fraudsters create bogus charity appeals targeting your business’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. These may include requests for large, tax-deductible donations or sponsorships in the company’s name.

Avoidance Tip: Only donate through recognized, vetted charities. Confirm donation requests with official charity representatives. Centralize philanthropic efforts through a dedicated team to ensure no rogue donations slip through.

Day 3: Compromised B2B Marketplaces & Supplier Portals

Scam: "On the third day of Christmas, the scammers stirred the pot: Falsified quotes and counterfeit supplies they’ve got!"

B2B marketplaces and supplier portals can be compromised to inject fraudulent product listings, fake RFQs (Request for Quotes), or malicious links. Scammers prey on end-of-year procurement rushes, hoping rushed employees won’t notice unrealistic discounts or altered bank details on invoices.

Avoidance Tip: Centralize vendor management and stick to known, approved suppliers. Verify any unexpected “holiday sale” or changed payment instructions directly with your vendor contact. Regularly audit marketplace transactions and use secure payment methods.

Day 4: Malicious E-Cards & Corporate Greetings

Scam: "On the fourth day of Christmas, the scammers set the scene: E-cards from ‘partners’ that aren’t what they seem!"

Holiday e-cards might come from what appears to be a trusted vendor, partner, or even a new business prospect. Hidden malware can infect corporate networks if an employee clicks a malicious link disguised as a holiday greeting.

Avoidance Tip: Instruct staff to verify the sender before opening e-cards. Implement strict email security policies and ensure antivirus/anti-malware tools are fully updated. If in doubt, confirm with the sender by phone or through a known contact method.

Day 5: Fake Shipping and Supply Chain Alerts

Scam: "On the fifth day of Christmas, the scammers wouldn’t wait: Bogus freight delays to make your orders late!"

Scammers send fake shipping notices or “urgent” supply chain delay alerts, prompting busy procurement teams to “reconfirm” payment details or approve last-minute changes. A quick click could lead to compromised credentials or erroneous wire transfers.

Avoidance Tip: Confirm shipping updates through official carrier portals or your known vendor contact. Use secure vendor management systems and never provide payment or login details via unsolicited links.

Day 6: Fraudulent Holiday Travel & Event Bookings

Scam: "On the sixth day of Christmas, the scammers pitched a deal: Corporate retreats and flights that are far from real!"

Businesses might arrange holiday parties, corporate retreats, or sponsor travel for clients. Fraudsters exploit this by offering “corporate group discounts” or exclusive venue bookings that vanish after payment.

Avoidance Tip: Book events and travel through reputable agencies. Use verified corporate travel platforms and review all details before paying deposits. Contact venues directly to confirm reservation legitimacy.

Day 7: Counterfeit Gift Cards & Corporate Rewards

Scam: "On the seventh day of Christmas, the scammers took their aim: Gift cards for clients that never light the flame!"

Companies often give gift cards to employees, partners, or valued clients. Fraudsters sell discounted corporate gift cards that have no actual value or intercept gift card codes to drain balances.

Avoidance Tip: Purchase gift cards only from official brand websites or authorized distributors. Track and reconcile gift card usage, and consider using corporate gifting programs that verify authenticity.

Day 8: Social Media Business Impersonation & Giveaways

Scam: "On the eighth day of Christmas, the scammers’ posts were rife: Fake ‘partner promotions’ to cut your bottom line with strife!"

Businesses also fall victim to social media scams—fake LinkedIn company pages, impostor executives offering big deals, or holiday giveaways that collect sensitive company info. Employees might be tricked into connecting with fraudulent “partners” offering joint holiday promotions.

Avoidance Tip: Maintain an official social media presence with verified accounts. Train staff to recognize suspicious social engagements and report fake profiles. Encourage employees to channel partnership opportunities through official business development or vendor management teams.

Day 9: Malicious Holiday-Themed Business Apps

Scam: "On the ninth day of Christmas, the scammers brought to play: ‘Productivity’ apps that lead your data astray!"

Scammers create holiday-themed inventory management or procurement tracking apps that claim to streamline your holiday rush. Once installed, they steal corporate data or credentials.

Avoidance Tip: Only install corporate apps from official app stores and verified developers. Involve IT in vetting any new tools, especially those that promise quick holiday efficiencies.

Day 10: Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots at Corporate Gatherings

Scam: "On the tenth day of Christmas, the scammers made their mark: Wi-Fi traps at conferences after dark!"

Holiday mixers, corporate fairs, or year-end conferences are prime spots for rogue Wi-Fi hotspots. Connecting to them can expose company data or allow hackers to steal login credentials.

Avoidance Tip: Provide employees with secured mobile hotspots or a corporate VPN. Train staff not to connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks and to verify SSIDs with event organizers.

Day 11: Fake Supplier Invoices & CEO Impersonation

Scam: "On the eleventh day of Christmas, the scammers changed the tune: Invoices forged and urgent CFO requests at noon!"

Attackers send fake invoices or impersonate C-level executives instructing the finance team to pay a “holiday bonus” to a vendor. These requests often appear urgent and time-sensitive, capitalizing on year-end closing chaos.

Avoidance Tip: Implement strict payment verification protocols. Confirm any high-value transactions through multiple channels. Train employees to recognize red flags like sudden changes in vendor payment details or rushed requests from executives.

Day 12: Card Skimming & POS Compromises at Corporate Events

Scam: "On the twelfth day of Christmas, the scammers scored anew: POS terminals rigged to skim from you!"

Companies hosting holiday pop-ups, sponsored booths, or catering events could face tampered card readers. Skimmers capture corporate card details used for business-related transactions, leading to fraudulent charges.

Avoidance Tip: Inspect card readers for tampering and use NFC or chip readers from trusted payment providers. Monitor corporate payment card statements closely and set spending alerts to detect suspicious activity quickly.

Keep the Holiday Spirit, Keep It Secure

Don’t let cyber tricksters snuff out your holiday cheer—whether at home or in the boardroom. Staying informed is the key to maintaining a bright and secure festive season. Empower your employees with knowledge, strengthen your vendor verification processes, and ensure your IT security controls are up-to-date.

Secure Your Business for 2025 and Beyond

Our team of technology expert's weaves cybersecurity into everything we do—risk assessments, managed detection and response, and fully outsourced IT support for SMBs. Connect with an expert today to discover how iCorps can guide your organization toward a safer and more prosperous new year. May your holiday season be filled with trust, transparency, and a scam-free environment. Happy holidays from our team to yours!