Halloween Scams Return on Email, SMS and Social Media Ads
Bitdefender, Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
Bitdefender Labs details 2026 Halloween scams spreading via email, SMS, social ads and fake shops impersonating Costco and others.
Bitdefender Labs researchers uncovered multiple Halloween-themed scam campaigns between September 1 and October 22, 2026, delivered by email, SMS, instant messaging, social media ads and suspicious online stores.
Email lures impersonated Costco, Tractor Supply and bol.com with fake surveys, free decorating kits and a 250 euro gift card giveaway, and 73% of the combined Costco and Tractor Supply targeting hit US users.
Other campaigns promoted gambling bonuses, fake Samsung TV prizes and suspicious Halloween stores.
SMS scams used fake lottery wins, expiring credits, party invitations and a malicious workbook, with targets across North America and Europe.