As the holiday season approaches, it's a time for joy, giving, and celebration. However, it's also a prime opportunity for scammers looking to take advantage of your holiday spirit. Whether you're shopping for gifts or donating to charities, here are some common scams highlighted by the Better Business Bureau to watch out for, along with tips to keep your finances and personal information safe.

1.  Misleading Social Media Ads

Scrolling through social media during the holidays often leads to enticing ads for discounted gifts. However, many users report being scammed by businesses that either don’t deliver the promised items or send counterfeit products. Before making a purchase, research the business on BBB.org and read customer reviews.

2.  Social Media Gift Exchanges

Beware of gift exchange schemes that resurface each holiday season. Whether it's “Secret Santa” or something similar, these scams often require you to buy gifts for strangers, share personal information, or send money. They’re not just risky; they can also be illegal pyramid schemes. Stick to gift-giving with trusted friends and family.

3.  Holiday Apps

Many holiday-themed apps promise fun activities like video chatting with Santa or tracking his sleigh. However, free apps can come with privacy risks, including malware and excessive ads. Always review the app’s privacy policy and read user reviews before downloading.

4.  Fake Toll Collection Texts

If you're traveling this holiday season, be cautious of texts claiming you owe toll fees. Scammers impersonate legitimate toll services and provide links to collect payment. Verify any claims directly with the official toll agency before clicking any links.

5.  Free Gift Cards

Everyone loves a “free” gift, but scammers exploit this with phishing emails that promise gift cards in exchange for your personal information. If you receive unsolicited gift card offers, mark them as spam and delete them without clicking any links.

6.  Temporary Holiday Jobs

Looking for seasonal work? Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true, especially in retail and delivery services. Employment scams are on the rise, with scammers targeting job seekers to steal personal information and money.

7.  Impostor Scams

During the busy shopping season, watch out for fake websites and social media accounts impersonating legitimate retailers. These scams can lead to malware downloads and fraudulent purchases. Always verify the authenticity of a business through their official website.

8.  Fake Charities

As charitable giving peaks in December, so does the risk of fraud. Scammers often create fake charities or impersonate individuals in need. Before donating, verify the organization through resources like BBB's Give.org and make sure to donate through their official website.

9.  Fake Shipping Notifications

With more online shopping, be cautious of phishing emails and texts claiming to provide shipping details. Scammers may ask you to click links that can steal your information or install malware. Always track packages using the original confirmation email.

10.  Advent Calendars

The trend of unique advent calendars can lead to scams, with many consumers reporting non-delivery or inferior products. Research the seller thoroughly before purchasing and consult BBB.org for reliable businesses.

11.  Holiday Wishlist Items

Deals on luxury goods and popular toys can often turn out to be counterfeits. Be especially careful when purchasing high-demand items from resellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

12.  Puppy Scams

If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, be cautious. A staggering 80% of pet ads online may be fraudulent. Always meet the pet in person before committing to a purchase.

Stay Vigilant

By staying informed and exercising caution, you can protect yourself from these common holiday scams. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, verify sources before making transactions, and prioritize your security this festive season. 

Read the original article from Better Business Bureau. 

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