The FBI and Better Business Bureau (BBB) warn consumers about an increase in holiday scams targeting shoppers, donors, and job seekers. Read about the common scams and tips to stay safe during the holiday season.
Holiday scams are more common than ever, targeting shoppers, donors, and job seekers during the busy season. Both the FBI and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning consumers to stay alert. Fraud sters exploit online shopping, social media, and even holiday traditions to steal personal information and money.Here’s what to watch out for this holiday season:The BBB reports a rise in fake social media ads offering discounted or hard-to-find items.
Many consumers never receive their orders or end up with counterfeit goods.The FBI also highlights 'non-delivery scams,' where scammers take payments but fail to send the product. These scams led to $92 million in reported losses during the 2023 holiday season.What to do: Stick to verified retailers and research businesses on BBB.org before making purchases. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.From fake gift card offers to 'Secret Sister' exchanges, scammers use social platforms to collect personal data and money. Gift exchanges often involve illegal pyramid schemes that trick users into sharing their contact information.Some scammers also use social media to sell puppies, collecting payment and additional fees but never delivering the animal. The FBI received over 2,600 puppy scam complaints in 2024, totaling $5.6 million in losses.What to do: Avoid social media offers involving payment or personal data. Never send money for a pet unless you’ve met it in person.Fraudulent charities use phone calls, emails, and social media to target generous donors. Scammers often mimic legitimate organizations with similar names or vague crowdfunding campaigns.What to do: Verify charities on BBB’s Give.org and donate directly through official websites. Be cautious of high-pressure donation requests.Fake websites often mimic well-known retailers, tricking shoppers into sharing payment information or downloading malware. Scammers also send fake shipping notifications with links to 'track your package
HOLIDAY SCAMS ONLINE SHOPPING SOCIAL MEDIA CHARITIES FRAUD
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