Q. During the holiday season, what fraud and scam schemes are being reported to BBB?
A. Although the holidays provide time for family and celebration, scammers put seasonal spins on everyday scams. During this hectic time, consumers may be too focused on finding the right gifts and best deals to recognize red flags.
Some scams are more common than others during the holidays, but the best way to avoid them is knowing how to spot them. Your Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org is breaking down which scams to be aware of this holiday season.
Hot toy scams. Every year, the season’s most popular toys sell out in stores and on retailer websites, forcing parents to turn elsewhere to find them. A frantic search can lead them to a convincing website that claims to have the toy on sale. Unfortunately, these websites are often fake, and eager shoppers pay for items that never arrive. With the increase in online purchase scams this year, it is especially important to shop smart online.
Buy from reputable retailers. Buying directly from brands you trust – in-store or online – is the best way to avoid being scammed. If you decide to use a new retailer, view its business profile on www.bbb.org to read customer reviews and check the accreditation status.