Black Friday and Christmas Crypto Scams Are Skyrocketing

Lionsgate Network recently reported a significant increase in online and crypto-related scams during the holiday season, as fraudsters capitalize on an uptick in shopping and digital activity.

The blockchain intelligence firm advises consumers to remain vigilant and stresses that prompt action is crucial when fraud occurs.

Holiday Scams Grow Smarter

While the trend is familiar, Lionsgate Network says this year’s surge shows new speed and sophistication.

Many schemes unfold so quickly that victims lose assets before noticing anything unusual. Criminal groups now use tight coordination, social engineering, and emotional triggers to exploit busy holiday activity.

The firm reported that most scams start on major social platforms.

Black Friday scams aren’t limited to online stores, they’ve hit crypto too.

Fake investment sites, cloned tokens, and shady “VIP offers” are popping up everywhere this season.

Here’s what to watch out for:

– Fake platforms that look real but steal your deposit.
– Counterfeit… pic.twitter.com/vUJdHJ1LIe

— Wirex (@wirexapp) November 26, 2025

Bad actors use friendly introductions, fake communities, or urgent messages to push users into unsafe interactions. Analysts say scammers no longer rely on obvious red flags. Instead, they copy real profiles, customer support agents, and well-known brands with striking accuracy. This realism makes early detection harder for the average user.

Lionsgate warned that these tactics target human behavior more than technology.

Simple trust, distraction, or curiosity can be enough to expose someone to risk. As a result, the company emphasized the importance of maintaining steady awareness throughout the season.

The holiday spike in fraud has prompted analysts to identify clear warning signs that consumers should be aware of.

Spotting the Red Flags

Many scams now rely on urgency, emotional pressure, or messages that appear to come from trusted brands or familiar contacts.

Suspicious giveaways, unexpected “account alerts,” surprise shipping notifications, and requests to move funds to a “safe wallet” remain among the most common red flags. Even small cues, such as unusual grammar, slight variations in URLs, or sudden demands for rapid action, often signal an attempt to deceive.

Lionsgate developed a “12 Scams of Christmas” checklist that offers a practical way to navigate these threats. It highlights tactics such as fake charity pages, lookalike wallet apps, fraudulent investment pitches, and limited-time NFT mints, all designed to drain wallets.

12 Types of Christmas Crypto Scams. Source: Lionsgate

Security experts emphasized the importance of maintaining steady habits, such as verifying websites, avoiding unsolicited links, checking the credentials of app developers, and using a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi.

They also warn that fake recovery services often appear after a theft, capitalizing on the panic. Scammers count on distraction during the holiday rush, making hasty decisions especially dangerous.

Investigators agreed that awareness, patience, and skepticism remain the most reliable protection.

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