How to Enjoy a Scam-Free Thanksgiving in 2025

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and reconnect with loved ones. But in the scammer’s agenda, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. As you chat with friends and relatives, cybercriminals take advantage of the season’s generosity, travel rush, and shopping frenzy to trick unsuspecting families.

Here’s how to keep your Thanksgiving and the busy Black Friday weekend safe from scammers.

Be on the lookout for:

1. Fake Thanksgiving Giveaways

Festive themes are a scammer’s best friend.  You might receive an unsolicited email or text claiming you’ve won a free Thanksgiving turkey dinner just for completing a quick survey or joining a “loyalty program.” These scam messages can look convincing, with big bold headlines, countdown banners, and “Get Started Now” messages. But the “offers” often lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal data or credit card details.

Stay safe:

• Don’t click links in unsolicited messages or surveys.
• Go directly to the retailer’s official website to verify any promotions.
• Use Bitdefender Link Checker to preview links safely.
• If you’re unsure, ask Bitdefender Scamio — it can instantly tell you if a message is fake.

 2. Black Friday Scam Ads

Once the turkey’s carved, the scammers get to work. Fake Black Friday ads have started flooding inboxes and social media feeds since early November. They often impersonate big-name retailers like Amazon, Target or Walmart. These ads promise jaw-dropping discounts but instead lead victims to phishing sites that steal payment info or sell counterfeit goods.

Read more here: Black Friday 2025 Scams: Brand Impersonation, Old Scams, and Familiar Malware Drive the Global Fraud Season

Stay safe:

• Type store URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking ads.
• Look for HTTPS and legitimate domain names.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true because they usually are (even for Black Friday season)

3. Charity Scams

The holiday spirit also inspires generosity. How does this translate into scams? You may receive fake urgent emails or social posts asking for donations to feed the hungry, help veterans, or support disaster victims. Many of these are fabricated stories or cloned websites of real charities, redirecting funds straight into scammers’ pockets.

Before donating:

• Research organizations through Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
• Never donate through links in unsolicited messages.

4. Fake Vacation Rentals

Planning to visit family or enjoy a cozy cabin getaway? Watch out for fake listings on vacation platforms or classified ads. Scammers post photos of beautiful properties that don’t exist, collect deposits, and then vanish.

Stay safe:

• Only book through reputable travel sites with verified hosts.
• Be wary of listings that ask for full payment upfront or communicate only through email or messaging apps.
• Read reviews and double-check addresses on Google Maps before sending money.

 5. Social Media Contests and Giveaways

Fake contests spike during Thanksgiving. You might see posts claiming you’ve won a “holiday trip,” “gift card,” or “shopping spree.” They often collect personal data or ask for “entry fees” to claim your prize.

Stay safe:

• Never provide financial or personal details to claim a prize.
• Confirm promotions directly with the brand’s verified page.
• Remember: real giveaways don’t charge to participate.

 6. Family-First Cyber Safety

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to talk about online safety with your family. Between catching up on stories and shopping for sales, remind everyone to think before clicking – especially kids.

Family-friendly safety habits:

• Shop smart: Stick to trusted retailers and secure sites.
• Protect devices: Keep software updated and use reliable protection like Bitdefender Premium Security
• Verify before donating: Look up charities before giving.
• Use trusted tools: Bitdefender Scamio and Link Checker help you avoid traps in seconds.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if a Thanksgiving giveaway is fake?
Check the sender’s email address, look for spelling errors, and avoid offers that pressure you to “act fast.” Real promotions never require you to enter sensitive data through email links.

2. What should I do if I already clicked a suspicious Thanksgiving link?
Immediately run a security scan with your antivirus software, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

3. Are there safe tools to check if an offer or message is a scam?
Yes — Bitdefender Scamio can instantly analyze suspicious messages or links, while Bitdefender Link Checker previews URLs safely before you click.