Christmas time is for giving, but that doesn’t mean giving into scams and cons.
To keep you in the know, the Better Business Bureau has drawn up its naughty list of the top 12 scams of Christmas:
First are misleading social media ads. “Always research before you buy,” says BBB.
Its BBB Scam Tracker gets daily reports of people paying for items 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. The 2022 BBB Online Scams Report found that online purchase scams were the most common cons reported to Scam Tracker. Before ordering, check out the business profile on BBB.org.
Next on the naughty list are social media gift exchanges. The older version was called “Secret Sister.” A newer version centres on exchanging bottles of wine, while another suggests buying $10 gifts online. Another twist asks you to submit your email to a list where participants get to pick a name and send money to strangers to, “pay it forward.” There is even a twist about, “Secret Santa Dog” where you buy a $10 gift for your “secret dog.”
Holiday apps also capitalize on the season. BBB says Apple’s App Store and Google Play, list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can chat live with Santa, light a menorah, watch Santa feed reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their wish lists. But first, review privacy policies to see what information is being collected, says BBB. Free apps can also contain malware and contain more ads than apps that require a nominal fee.
Fourth on the list are fake texts that say you’ve been hacked. If you get such a text, don’t click on any link. BBB says it receives tons of reports on Scam Tracker about fake texts and emails, many claiming your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised. In this scam, victims are told there has been suspicious activity on one of their accounts and are urged to take immediate action to prevent the account from being compromised. Be extra careful about unsolicited calls, emails, and texts and contact the business directly — and don’t click on any link.
If it says “free gift cards,” they’re probably not. This scam is fifth on the list and BBB says scammers send bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to reward their loyal customers.
Temporary holiday jobs at Christmas are a great way to make extra money, BBB says, describing its sixth scam. However, job seekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from applicants. Keep an eye out for opportunities that seem too good to be true.
The Christmas rush can lead to a rush of emails offering sales, deals and bargains but be aware of emails with links enclosed, advises BBB in its number seven scam. Some can lead to phoney, look-alike websites that can trick people into downloading malware, sharing private information or making dead-end purchases. If you’re not certain about the email, don’t click on any link.
Christmas is the time for giving, just don’t give to fake charities, says BBB’s eighth tip. Look out for scammers, claiming to be in need, and watch out for fraudulent charities. Don’t make rush decisions to donate to unfamiliar organizations.
The ninth tip pertains to online purchases, again. Keep an eye out for fake shipping notifications, in the form of phishing emails with links that may allow access to your private information, downloading of malware, or trick you into paying new shipping fees, which would be the least of the worries, given the two previous risks.
The 10th tip is just to be careful with advent calendars on social media. Consumers should research before they buy, read reviews, and look up the company on BBB.org before purchasing.
So, you think you found a good deal to get some pricey toys for a bargain price? Think again, says BBB, for its 11th tip about top holiday wishlist items. Low-priced luxury goods, designer clothes, electronics, and trendy toys, are almost always cheap counterfeits, says BBB, so be careful when buying popular toys off of Facebook Marketplace or other platforms.
Last on the list is a warning about puppy scams. BBB says up to 80 per cent of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. “Be sure to see the pet in person before making a purchase,” says BBB.
For more details on avoiding scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams or read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an online scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker.
