Stay Safe While Holiday Shopping, Donating 

By Staff Reports

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Central and South Alabama is urging consumers to remain vigilant against scams during the holiday season. From shopping for gifts to making charitable donations, scammers are targeting holiday cheer with schemes designed to steal money or personal information.

To help consumers avoid falling victim, BBB has identified the 12 Scams of Christmas, providing essential tips to protect your finances and personal data.

Be Mindful of These Common Holiday Scams:

Misleading Social Media Ads: Fake ads often promote popular gifts or deep discounts. Always research businesses at BBB.org before purchasing.

Social Media Gift Exchanges: Pyramid schemes disguised as “Secret Santa” or “Secret Sister” exchanges can lead to lost money and exposed personal information.

Holiday Apps: Free seasonal apps may contain malware or require unnecessary personal information. Review apps carefully before downloading.

Free Gift Card Offers: Emails or pop-up ads promising free gift cards are often phishing scams. Delete these messages without clicking.

Temporary Holiday Jobs: Scammers create fake job postings to steal money and personal data. Verify job opportunities directly with the company.

Impostor Scams: Fake websites and customer support accounts can steal sensitive data. Always use official websites for purchases or inquiries.

Fake Charities: Fraudulent charities prey on generous donors. Verify charities at BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org) before donating.

Fake Shipping Notifications: Phishing emails or texts about package deliveries often contain malicious links. Always track packages via original purchase confirmations.

Advent Calendar Scams: Ads for niche or luxury advent calendars can lead to undelivered products or poor-quality goods. Research sellers before buying.

Fake Wishlist Items: Counterfeit toys and luxury goods often appear on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Use caution when buying high-demand items.

Fake Toll Collection Texts: Scammers impersonate toll services, sending texts with payment links. Verify toll balances with official agencies.

Puppy Scams: Be wary of online pet ads. Visit the pet in person before making a purchase to avoid fake sellers.

Protect Yourself This Holiday Season:

* Research Before You Buy: Check BBB.org for business reviews and ratings.

* Avoid Unsolicited Messages: Don’t click links in unexpected texts, emails, or pop-ups.

* Verify Charities: Use trusted platforms like BBB’s Give.org to confirm legitimacy.

* Shop Safely Online: Use credit cards for added fraud protection and only shop through secure websites.

If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org to help protect others.

For more information on staying safe this holiday season, visit BBB.org or contact Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama, at cbates@csal.bbb.org. For inquiries in the Mobile, Baldwin, or Montgomery areas, contact Monde Donaldson, Vice President of BBB Education Foundation, at mdonaldson@csal.bbb.org.