Last-Minute Holiday Gifts? Here’s How to Gift Safely (and Avoid Seasonal Scams)

The holidays are stressful enough without adding cyberthreats to the mix. Whether you’re buying physical gifts, digital subscriptions, or the ever-popular gift card, scammers know this is peak shopping season — and they take full advantage. Here’s a quick guide to gifting safely in the final stretch before Christmas.

1. Gift Cards: Buy Smart, Not Scammed

Gift cards are convenient, but they’re also a scammer favorite.

Before you buy:

• Get them directly from the source. Purchase from official retailers or brand websites.
• Inspect the card. Look for scratched PINs, lifted stickers, or damaged packaging. If anything seems off, pick another card and hand the potentially faulty ones you find to a shop assistant.
• Keep the receipt. It may be the only proof you have if the balance is tampered with.

If you're gifting a card:

• Ask the recipient to redeem it immediately.
• Remind them: no real company will ever ask to be paid in gift cards. If they do, it’s a scam.

2. IoT Gadgets: Don’t Gift a Security Headache

Smart speakers, fitness trackers, cameras, and wearables make great gifts. However, any IoT device can come with risks.

Before wrapping it:

• Update the device and apps to their latest software, if possible.
• Change default passwords to something unique and strong.
• Disable unnecessary features, like remote access or location sharing.

And yes, we know you might not want to break the seal on a brand-new gadget before gifting it. But if you’re buying it for someone who may struggle with setup (such as elderly parents or less tech-savvy relatives), they likely won’t mind you taking a few minutes to ensure it’s secure. Updating the software and adjusting privacy settings before you wrap it can save them a lot of trouble later.

If you want an extra-helpful twist: pre-installing a trustworthy security solution is a thoughtful touch many recipients never think about.

3. Subscriptions & Digital Services: Share Safely

Streaming services, gaming passes, creator tools, and cloud storage are popular digital gifts.

To make them safer:

• Avoid sharing login credentials over text or email.
• Create a temporary password for the recipient and prompt them to change it after the log in for the first time.
• Never use your own passwords as shared accounts are a common entry point for hackers.

Consider adding a security-oriented gift too, like a password manager or privacy tool.

And if you have a family member or friend who’s a content creator, consider gifting them something genuinely useful for their work: Bitdefender Security for Creators.

Since creator accounts are prime targets for hijacking and InfoStealer malware, this is a thoughtful “digital safety net” for anyone who relies on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook. It includes advanced protection against phishing links hidden in fake sponsorship emails, alerts for suspicious activity on social platforms, and tools that help safeguard both their content and their income.

4. Online Shopping: Watch for Fake Stores & Delivery Scams

Last-minute shoppers often fall for:

• Fake websites offering unrealistic deals
• Copycat online stores impersonating real brands
• Delivery phishing texts pretending to be from UPS, DHL or USPS

Stay safe by:

• Double-checking URLs for subtle misspellings
• Sticking to trusted retailers
• Ignoring “failed delivery” texts unless you verify the tracking number on the official site

And when in doubt, run suspicious links through Bitdefender Link Checker or Bitdefender Scamio for instant safety checks.

5. Second-Hand Electronics: Clean Before You Give

Buying used phones, laptops, tablets, or consoles? Great for the budget — dangerous if you skip the basics.

Do this every time:

• Perform a full factory reset
• Remove old accounts (Apple ID, Google, Microsoft)
• Check for jailbreak/root
• Make sure the device isn’t activation-locked

This avoids gifting someone else’s malware, tracking apps, or leftover login sessions.

Think Beyond the Gift: Protect the Person

To add an extra-thoughtful touch, consider pairing your present with something that protects the recipient long after the holidays are over.

A few ideas that match real-life needs:

• Digital identity protection for someone who shops online frequently or signs up for many services throughout the year.
• Mobile security for teens getting their first phone or upgrading to a new device, helping them stay safer as they explore apps, games, and social platforms.