Recent research from DataDome shows that the holiday run-up is not just busy for retailers. It is busy for criminals too. Bots create fake accounts at scale, scrape details they can repurpose, and set the stage for impersonation campaigns. Once attackers have enough fake identities, they spin up fraudulent promotions, clone pages that mirror real storefronts, or launch phishing blasts that appear to come from trusted brands.
Because these look convincing at a glance, customers often assume the message or page is legitimate. One click is all it takes for someone to enter credentials or payment data into a site that only looks like yours.
How to protect your brand during the holiday rush:
- Block disposable email domains
This slows down attackers trying to build large networks of fake accounts. - Use strong bot detection
If automated registration spikes go unchecked, you give criminals more tools to mimic your brand. - Monitor for cloned pages and lookalike domains
The holidays bring a spike in copycat URLs. Track them and respond fast. - Require verification for new accounts
A small friction point makes large scale impersonation much harder.
Set up fast takedown routines
Have a plan ready for fake discount links, spoofed support accounts, and fraudulent landing pages.
