Halloween is traditionally the most anticipated fall event, and it’s expected to be really big this year. About 73% of Americans plan to celebrate, with estimated $114.45 to be spent per person.
That much activity means more online payments, more quick decisions — and yes, more chances for scammers to sneak in. That’s why this year’s theme is called “Tap-to-Treat Halloween.”
Everything’s “one tap” now — pay here, scan there, share a video to win. That speed is perfect for scammers who benefit from quick payments. Let’s review three traps that are all tricks, no treats — and the tiny habits that block each without slowing the fun.
Table of Contents
1. Bargain Bogeymen: Fake Costume & Decor Sites
It’s the night before Halloween. A “discount Halloween decor” website shows big photos, very low prices, and a countdown clock. You order quickly. A week later, nothing arrives, and strange charges appear on your card.
Why this happens
Scammers set up short-lived stores near holidays. They copy photos and reviews and use cheap ads to catch last-minute shoppers. They try to make you pay in ways that are hard to refund.
Signs of a trap
- Clock with discount resets when you refresh a website page. They are just pushing you to rush.
- Huge discounts on everything. “Too good” is a warning sign.
- No real returns page or only a picture. They don’t plan to take items back.
- Contact form only; no phone/email. This makes it easy for them to disappear.
Do this instead
- Type the store name yourself — ads can lead to fake look-alike sites; typing lowers that risk.
- Look for three basics: street address, returns page, and a phone or chat — real stores show how to reach them and how returns work.
- Use a credit card — credit cards make refunds easier; Don’t fall for gift cards, wires, or “friends & family” .
2. Scan-and-Scam — QR Code Traps
You get an email or Facebook post about a fall event: “Sign up here” or “Donate to the school.” There’s a big QR code and a button. You scan or click. The page looks familiar, but it asks for your card — or even your email password. It feels routine, so many people go ahead.
Why this happens
Scammers use links and QR codes that send you to a look-alike website. That site can collect your payment details or your email password and then use your email to reset other accounts.
Signs of a trap
- “Scan now, limited spots.” Scammers just want you to rush.
- The page asks for your email password or a one-time code. This info can let them into your accounts.
- The web address doesn’t match the group’s name.
Do this instead
- Type the address yourself. Search for the school, city, or group by name and go to their official site — this avoids the fake link.
- Check the web address before you enter anything — a strange or misspelled address is a warning — close the page.
Real: amazon.com
Fake: arnazon.com (uses rn instead of m)
- Sign up or donate only on the group’s own website — real groups accept payments and sign-ups there.
3. Parcel Phantoms — Fake Shipping Texts & Emails
You get a text or email: “Your Halloween order is delayed,” “Confirm your address,” or “Reschedule delivery.”
There’s a link. You click it, and a page that looks like USPS, UPS, FedEx or Amazon asks for your card or your email sign-in. It feels routine because you did order something this week.
Why this happens
Scammers send mass “delivery problem” messages during busy seasons. The link goes to a look-alike website that collects your payment details (“small re-delivery fee”) or your email password, which lets them reset your other accounts.
Signs of a trap
- “Pay a small fee to release your package.” Real carriers never charge that.
- Vague tracking number you’ve never seen in your order. It’s likely made up.
- Sender address looks strange (random letters/numbers) or the link is shortened (like bit.ly/… or tinyurl.com/…). It’s hard to tell if it’s the official carrier until after you click— which is exactly what scammers want. They use this to send you to a fake page that asks for card numbers, passwords, or a one-time code.
Do this instead
- Don’t click the link. Links like that can lead to fake sites.
- Check your order the way you normally do: open the retailer’s app/website you trust, or type the carrier’s official site yourself. This will take you to the real place.
- Use the tracking number from your original receipt/email, not from the text. Real numbers match your real order.
Your email account is your most valuable tool on the Internet — and the front door to your money. Futureproof turns your inbox into a hard target with step-by-step guidance and no tech jargon — so scammers can’t steal your email password and reset your bank accounts.
No-Trick Clicks: Simple Steps for Real Safety
A few small habits make Halloween online shopping calm and easy. Do these now so you can enjoy the pumpkin season without worry.
1. Turn on bank/card alerts.
So your phone tells you about new charges right away.
2. Use a credit card for online buys.
Credit cards are easiest to dispute if something goes wrong.
3. Guest checkout when you can.
If a small store offers “Checkout as Guest” on their website, choose it. Fewer accounts = fewer passwords to steal.
4. Make a simple “Orders List” for Halloween.
In Notes (or paper), list what you actually ordered + the real retailer. Check messages against this list. If a message mentions an order that isn’t on your list, it’s fake.
5. Protect your email.
If your email password is old or reused, change it now and turn on two-step sign-in. Email controls password resets for many accounts.
6. Bookmark your “safe links” now.
Add your store, bank, Amazon, USPS/UPS/FedEx to your browser’s bookmarks bar.
7. Set a family “money word”
Scammers often pretend to be your child, grandchild, or spouse in email/text/social and say “I need money now.” A family money word is a private check that only real family should know. Agree on one simple word (for example, pumpkin). If anyone messages or calls asking for money, the real person must say that word.
Final Word: Keep Scammers Out of Your Halloween
The holiday will be busy, but you set the tempo. Use the routes you trust — your bookmarks, your safety word, your saved numbers — and let every unknown link wait its turn.
A short pause before you click is the easiest way to keep your money and accounts where they belong — with you.
Enjoy the treats — and the peace of mind.
At Futureproof, Kevin makes online safety feel human with clear steps, real examples, and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
