BBB’s 12 Holiday Scams: Stay Safe While Shopping & Giving!

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and—let’s be honest—some pretty epic gift shopping. But it’s also when scammers come out in full force, trying to take advantage of our festive spirit. From online shopping sprees to giving to charity, fraudsters are getting creative in their efforts to steal your hard-earned money and personal information.

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To help you dodge the Grinches of the season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Central and South Alabama has compiled a list of the 12 Scams of Christmas. With these tips in hand, you can protect yourself from holiday headaches and enjoy the season to the fullest.

1. Misleading Social Media Ads

If you’re seeing ads for gifts at ridiculously low prices or deep discounts, don’t be quick to click! Scammers often use fake ads to reel you in with deals that are too good to be true. Always double-check businesses at BBB.org before making a purchase.

2. Social Media Gift Exchanges

"Secret Santa" or "Secret Sister" exchanges may sound like fun, but some of these could be pyramid schemes in disguise. They’ll take your money and your personal info, and you’ll end up with nothing in return. Stick to well-known and trusted exchanges to keep your holidays merry and bright.

3. Holiday Apps

Who doesn’t love a festive app to track the days to Christmas or add some holiday cheer to your phone? But some of these free apps may come with a not-so-festive surprise—malware or unnecessary personal data requests. Always read reviews and permissions before downloading anything.

4. Free Gift Card Offers

We all love a freebie, but be wary of unsolicited emails or pop-ups promising free gift cards. These are likely phishing scams designed to steal your information. Don’t click on anything—just delete and move on.

5. Temporary Holiday Jobs

Looking for some extra holiday cash? Scammers know this and often post fake job ads during the season. They’ll ask for money upfront or steal your personal details. Always verify job offers directly with the company before handing over any information.

6. Impostor Scams

Scammers can easily create fake websites or customer service accounts to steal your credit card info or login credentials. Be extra cautious when making online purchases—stick to official websites and avoid any suspicious-looking “support” accounts.

7. Fake Charities

The season of giving is also the season of scammers preying on your generosity. They’ll create fake charities, hoping you’ll make a quick donation. To ensure your money goes to a real cause, verify charities through BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org.

8. Fake Shipping Notifications

Uh-oh! You get an email or text about a package that’s “on its way,” but it’s a trap. These phishing messages often contain links designed to steal your personal information. When in doubt, always track your packages using the official confirmation or tracking number from your purchase.

9. Advent Calendar Scams

Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days to Christmas, but be cautious of ads for high-end or niche calendars. Some sellers promise luxury goodies and deliver nothing—or worse, subpar items. Do your research before you buy.

10. Fake Wishlist Items

Looking for the hottest toys or luxury goods? Scammers often target high-demand items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Always make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate seller, especially when the deal seems too good to be true.

11. Fake Toll Collection Texts

Imagine getting a text saying you owe a toll fee, complete with a link to pay. Sounds fishy, right? That’s because it probably is! Scammers impersonate toll services to get you to click on malicious links. If you get a toll-related text, check directly with the official toll agency for your balance.

12. Puppy Scams

The holidays are a popular time for adopting new pets, but scammers know this too. Be cautious when buying puppies online—never send money without seeing the pet in person first. If the deal feels rushed or the price seems “too good,” it’s likely a scam.

How to Keep Your Holidays Safe and Jolly

• Do Your Research: Before buying anything, check reviews and ratings at BBB.org to make sure the business is legit.
• Don’t Click on Unsolicited Links: Whether it’s an email, text, or pop-up, avoid clicking on links that come from unfamiliar sources.
• Verify Charities: Make sure your donations go to the right place by checking charities on BBB’s Give.org.
• Shop Smart Online: Use credit cards for better fraud protection and always shop on secure websites (look for the little padlock or "https" in the URL).

If you do spot a scam, help keep others safe by reporting it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org.

Let’s Make It a Scam-Free Holiday!

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your wallet and your peace of mind while still enjoying everything the season has to offer. From all of us at the BBB, here’s wishing you a merry, safe, and scam-free holiday season!

For more information or help, feel free to reach out to: Carl Bates, President/CEO
Phone: (205) 558-2219
Email: cbates@csal.bbb.org
BBB Serving Central & South Alabama