This holiday season, avoid scams that target your cash and personal information. From suspicious social media ads to shady payment requests, a little caution goes a long way in protecting your cheer. Here’s a recap of the top 12 schemes that have made BBB’s naughty list this year:
1. Misleading social media ads: Always research advertised products before you buy on BBB.org and read the reviews. BBB Scam Tracker receives daily reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for, or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised. BBB offers more details about misleading ads, free trial offers, and counterfeit goods.
2. Social media gift exchanges: Each holiday season this scheme pops back up. An older version was called “Secret Sister.” Newer versions of this scam revolve around exchanging bottles of wine or bourbon or sharing gifts online.
No matter what version, participants unwittingly share their personal information, along with those of their family members and friends, and are further tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals. It’s an illegal pyramid scheme. Stick to buying friends gifts from trustworthy businesses, and check BBB.org before you buy. BBB offers more about social media gift exchange scams.
3. Holiday apps: Apple’s App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their holiday wish lists.