(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning to consumers to stay alert this holiday season, as scammers take advantage of increased shopping, travel, job searches and charitable giving. Many holiday scams can be avoided by being cautious with social media ads, unsolicited messages, and any request to pay by wire transfer, gift card, prepaid debit card or third-party payment app – common red flags.
- Misleading social media ads
Online purchase scams remain a major concern during the holidays. The 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report ranked online purchase scams as the fourth riskiest scam reported by consumers in 2024. Victims report paying for items that never arrive, receiving counterfeit or inferior products, or being unknowingly enrolled in recurring charges.
- Social media gift exchanges
Holiday gift exchanges like “Secret Sister,” wine or bourbon swaps, and even pet-themed versions continue to circulate online. These schemes encourage participants to share personal information and send money or gifts to strangers and are often illegal pyramid schemes.
- Holiday apps
Holiday-themed apps offering video chats with Santa, sleigh tracking, or wish lists can collect personal data or contain excessive ads or malware. Consumers should review privacy policies, read reviews, and be cautious with free apps.
- Fake toll collection texts
Scammers impersonate toll road agencies and send texts claiming unpaid tolls, directing recipients to click a link to pay. Consumers should never click unexpected links and instead verify balances directly with the official toll authority.
- Free gift cards
Phishing emails, texts and pop-up ads promising “free” gift cards are designed to steal personal information or install malware. Unsolicited gift card offers should be deleted or marked as spam.
- Temporary holiday jobs
Employment scams were the riskiest for people ages 18–34 in 2024. Fake job listings often target seasonal workers by requesting upfront fees or sensitive personal information.
- Impostor scams
Scammers create fake websites and social media accounts that closely resemble real businesses, especially during peak shopping and return periods. Consumers should verify websites and use official customer service channels.
- Fake charities
The end of the year is a prime time for charity scams. Donors should avoid pressure to give immediately and verify organizations through BBB’s Give.org or official government resources before donating.
- Fake shipping notifications
An increase in online shopping leads to more phishing emails and texts claiming package delivery issues or additional fees. Consumers should only track packages using links from original order confirmations.
- Advent calendar scams
Popular advent calendars are frequently advertised through social media scams. BBB has received reports of calendars not delivered, arriving incomplete, or being significantly lower quality than advertised.
- Holiday wish list item scams
Deep discounts on luxury goods, electronics, and in-demand toys are often signs of counterfeits or knockoffs. Consumers should be especially cautious when purchasing from online marketplaces or resellers.
- Puppy scams
Families looking to add a pet should be alert. Experts estimate up to 80% of sponsored pet ads online may be fake, with scammers requesting deposits for animals that do not exist. Always see a pet in person before paying.
Consumers are encouraged to research before buying, avoid rushed decisions, and report scams to BBB Scam Tracker. More tips and resources are available at BBB.org.