Nevada Joins Virginia, North Dakota, Hawaii and Arizona as Among the Top States Facing the Rising Christmas Travel Scams across US in 2025! Here is the Latest Research You Need to Know

Published on November 7, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, Christmas travel scams are becoming a growing concern across the United States. Nevada, Virginia, North Dakota, Hawaii, and Arizona have emerged as top states facing a sharp rise in these fraudulent schemes. According to Cloudwards, a leading research platform on cybersecurity, this surge in scams is driven by the increased number of travellers looking for great deals during the festive period. Scammers often target those booking holiday travel, exploiting popular destinations like Nevada and Hawaii. The latest research highlights the most vulnerable states, showing that these five states are at the forefront of the rising threat. Understanding the scope of these scams is crucial for anyone planning to travel. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Cloudwards’ findings and provide tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to Christmas travel scams this year.

What Makes States Vulnerable to Travel Scams?

The research conducted by Cloudwards examined scam data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), adjusting it for population size. The data focused on four main types of scams: vacation & travel scams, timeshare scams, online shopping scams, and business imposter scams. Scams can take many forms, but what makes some states more vulnerable than others?

A key factor is the number of tourists and travellers. States with major tourist attractions, like Florida and Nevada, often see more travel scams simply because there are more people coming and going. Another important factor is the state’s median income. Wealthier states can be attractive targets for fraudsters looking to steal money. It also depends on how often people report scams and the level of financial loss these scams cause.

States Most at Risk for Holiday Travel Scams in 2025

According to the study, the states most at risk for holiday travel scams are those with high numbers of tourists, wealthier residents, and frequent scam reports. So, let’s take a closer look at the top five riskiest states for holiday scams this Christmas:

1. Delaware: The Top State for Scams

Delaware tops the list as the most at-risk state for travel scams. With an overall risk score of more than 80, it’s the state most likely to see people fall victim to fake travel offers and timeshare schemes. In 2024, Delaware lost over $1.5 million to vacation-related scams alone. The state’s small population combined with the high number of scam reports per capita puts it at the highest risk. Whether it’s fake holiday deals or fake websites for travel bookings, Delaware has seen it all.

2. Florida: A Hotspot for Holiday Scams

Florida follows closely behind, ranking second for travel scam risks. This should come as no surprise given Florida’s status as a major tourist destination. In 2024, Florida had 193 travel scam reports per million residents, leading to losses of more than $494,000. From fake rental properties to non-existent vacation packages, Florida is a state where scammers have a field day during the holiday season.

3. Nevada: A Scammer’s Playground During the Holidays

Nevada stands as one of the most vulnerable states for holiday travel scams, ranking third overall. With its glitzy casinos and world-famous tourist destinations, especially Las Vegas, Nevada attracts millions of travellers each year. Unfortunately, this high influx of visitors makes it a prime target for scammers. In 2024, the state saw over 169 travel scam reports per million residents, resulting in more than $850,000 in financial losses.

The most common scams in Nevada include fake vacation packages, where scammers promise incredibly cheap holidays, but require victims to pay hidden fees upfront. Another prevalent scam involves non-existent hotel bookings or fraudulent vacation rentals. As a popular destination for holiday getaways, Nevada continues to see a spike in these scams during Christmas, as scammers take advantage of travellers eager to secure the best deals. For those heading to Nevada, it’s crucial to be extra cautious when booking travel and accommodation.

4. Colorado: Wealthy Residents at Risk

In Colorado, home to the famous ski resorts of Aspen, the risk of scams is high due to its wealthier population. Colorado ranks fourth on the list, with wealthy residents being targeted by timeshare scams and fake vacation deals. Scammers often lure in victims with promises of free or heavily discounted trips, then demand hidden fees. If you’re travelling to Aspen or other popular spots in Colorado this Christmas, be especially cautious.

5. Maryland: A State Under Attack by Scammers

Maryland comes in fifth, just behind Colorado. Known for its high median household income, Maryland is a prime target for scammers looking to take advantage of the state’s wealthy residents. Travel scams in Maryland are particularly concerning, with residents losing money to timeshare fraud and fake travel websites. Maryland ranks high in both overall risk and in the vacation and travel scam category.

States with the Least Risk: Who’s Safe This Christmas?

While some states are suffering more from scams, others remain relatively safe. The research revealed that states with lower population density, lower median incomes, or those in the Midwest and South tend to be at lower risk. Here are the least risky states for holiday travel scams:

Mississippi: The Safest State

Mississippi is the safest state when it comes to holiday travel scams. With a risk score of just 10.428, it ranks 50th, making it the least vulnerable state for scams overall. Mississippi’s lower median income and fewer reports of scams per capita are major factors in its safety. For travellers in Mississippi, the risk is relatively low compared to states like Delaware or Florida.

North Dakota: A Quiet State with Little Scam Activity

North Dakota comes in just behind Mississippi, with the second-lowest scam risk score of 15.566. The state’s rural nature and low population mean that there are fewer targets for scammers. However, North Dakota does have a higher risk in timeshare sales, which is a category where it ranks 16th overall.

Louisiana: A Low-Risk State for Travel Scams

Louisiana, with a risk score of 16.365, is another state that sees fewer travel-related scams. While it still sees some fraud activity, it remains far below the high-risk states like Delaware and Florida. Louisiana residents are less likely to encounter fake holiday offers or fraudulent travel deals during the Christmas season.

The Most Common Types of Holiday Scams

Understanding the types of scams that are most common during the holiday season can help you stay vigilant. Here are some of the most prevalent scams to watch out for:

Travel & Vacation Scams

• “Free” Vacation Offers: Scammers may claim you’ve won a free vacation or offer incredibly cheap packages, only to ask for upfront fees. Always check the fine print before sending money.
• Fake Travel Websites: Be cautious of websites that seem too good to be true. Scammers often create fake travel agencies that lure victims into purchasing non-existent tickets or bookings.
• Fake Rental Properties: Holiday rental scams are rampant, especially around Christmas. Scammers list properties that do not exist, collect deposits, and disappear.

Timeshare Scams

• Pressure Presentations: Scammers invite you to a “free trip” presentation, only to pressure you into purchasing overpriced timeshares.
• Upfront Fees: Some fraudsters ask for upfront fees for timeshare services, such as selling or cancelling your timeshare. Once you pay, they vanish.

Online Shopping & Business Imposter Scams

• Fake Websites and Social Media Ads: Watch out for fake e-commerce sites, especially during the Christmas shopping season. These sites may look like real brands but are designed to steal your money.
• Charity Scams: Scammers prey on your good intentions by asking for donations to fake charities. Ensure the charity is legitimate before donating.
• Gift Card Scams: One of the most common scams involves fraudsters convincing you to pay for items or services with gift cards, which are untraceable.

How to Protect Yourself From Travel Scams

While scams can happen anywhere, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud:

1. Check URLs: Ensure any website you use for booking travel or buying gifts starts with “https://” and looks professional. Avoid sites with misspelled words or poor-quality design.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods: Always pay via secure platforms like PayPal, credit cards, or Apple Pay. Avoid wiring money or using gift cards to make payments.
3. Avoid Links from Unknown Sources: Don’t click on links from unsolicited emails or social media messages, as they may lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.
4. Watch Out for Urgent Deals: If someone is pushing you to make a decision quickly or offering something that seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

Stay Safe This Christmas

As millions of people prepare to travel this Christmas, the risk of falling victim to a scam increases. States like Delaware, Florida, and Nevada are particularly vulnerable, while states like Mississippi and North Dakota remain much safer. Understanding the most common scams and knowing how to protect yourself can help ensure you have a safe and scam-free holiday season.

By staying vigilant, double-checking websites, and using secure payment methods, you can make sure your travels are filled with holiday cheer, not scam-related stress. Be cautious, stay informed, and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.

Source: Cloudwards