FBI Chicago Warns of Increased Fraud and Scam Activity During Holiday Season

Chicago, Illinois; December 26th, 2025

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Chicago Field Office has issued a public warning advising residents to remain alert to an increase in frauds and scams targeting individuals and families throughout the holiday season, according to an official statement released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI stated that scammers frequently exploit the busy holiday period, when consumers are making purchases, donating to charities, and communicating online at higher rates than usual. The agency warned that criminals often use urgency, emotional appeals, or deceptive online practices to trick victims into providing money or personal information.

According to data cited by the FBI from its Internet Crime Complaint Center, more than 535,000 complaints were submitted nationwide in 2024, with reported losses totaling approximately $13.7 billion. The Bureau reported that Illinois ranked among the states with the highest number of scam complaints, with residents reporting losses approaching $500 million. Older adults, particularly those aged 60 and over, were identified as a group disproportionately affected by fraud schemes.

The FBI outlined several common scam types observed during the holiday season, including online shopping fraud, charity scams, impersonation schemes, and fraudulent payment requests involving gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The agency advised consumers to verify retailers and charities before sending money, to avoid clicking on unsolicited links, and to refrain from sharing sensitive personal or financial information in response to unexpected communications.

The FBI also encouraged the public to use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, when making purchases, and to closely review account statements for unauthorized activity. Individuals who believe they have been targeted by a scam were urged to report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, regardless of the amount of loss, to assist law enforcement in identifying patterns and pursuing investigations.

The Chicago Field Office emphasized that early reporting of suspected fraud can help prevent additional victims and support broader efforts to disrupt criminal networks engaged in financial exploitation. The FBI stated that public awareness and caution remain critical tools in reducing the impact of scams during the holiday season.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, Chicago Field Office, official public warning titled “FBI Chicago Warns Public About Growing Frauds and Scams Throughout the Holiday Season,” December 2025