The holiday season is one of the most anticipated times of the year, bringing with it the excitement of shopping for gifts, finding great deals, and spreading joy. However, it’s also the time when scams spike, as fraudsters take advantage of the holiday rush and shoppers’ desire to score a good bargain. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released a list of tips to help you stay vigilant and avoid holiday shopping scams. Here’s how you can protect yourself and shop safely this holiday season.
1. Beware of Phony Online Retailers
Fake websites that look nearly identical to popular online stores are becoming increasingly common. Scammers use professional design elements to trick customers into believing they're on a legitimate site. The BBB advises shoppers to carefully inspect web addresses (URLs) for extra letters, misspellings, or slight alterations in brand names. Look for secure sites (indicated by "https" and a padlock icon in the URL bar) and do your research by reading reviews from other customers.
2. Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
A massive discount on a high-demand item like a new phone, tablet, or gaming console may look like a holiday miracle, but these deals are often scams. Be cautious of sites or sellers offering popular items at steeply discounted prices, as they may take your money without delivering the product. Instead, look for deals through verified sources like major retailers or reputable online marketplaces.
3. Be Wary of Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a common target for scammers. The BBB advises against buying gift cards from online marketplaces or third-party sellers, as scammers often sell cards with no funds on them or cards that have been tampered with. When buying gift cards, purchase them directly from the retailer or a reputable store, and inspect the card’s packaging to ensure it hasn’t been altered.
4. Watch Out for Fake Shipping Notifications
Phishing emails and text messages disguised as shipping notifications are another tactic used to exploit holiday shoppers. These messages often claim a package is delayed or ask you to confirm your information for a delivery. The BBB recommends not clicking on any links from unfamiliar or suspicious emails, as they could lead to malware or phishing sites. Instead, check directly with the retailer where you made your purchase or through your account on their website.
5. Be Careful When Donating to Charities
Many scammers create fake charities or impersonate legitimate ones to prey on people’s goodwill during the holiday season. The BBB encourages donors to research organizations thoroughly before donating, either through BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance or other charity-rating websites. Avoid high-pressure tactics and only give through secure, trusted donation sites.
6. Use Credit Cards When Shopping Online
When making online purchases, using a credit card provides extra protection in case of fraud. Credit card companies can assist with refunds if a transaction turns out to be a scam, unlike debit cards, which can be harder to recover funds from. Additionally, some credit cards offer specific protections for online shopping, so check with your card provider for details.
7. Shop Early and Stick to Trusted Retailers
Shopping early not only helps you avoid the holiday rush but also limits your exposure to last-minute scams. Fraudulent sellers often target shoppers looking for gifts at the eleventh hour, knowing they're less likely to scrutinize the seller. Whenever possible, shop with retailers that have established a good reputation and offer customer service in case there’s an issue.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Bank Statements
The holidays are a good time to monitor your credit card and bank statements closely for unauthorized transactions. Fraudulent charges often go unnoticed during the busy season when people are making frequent purchases. If you see any unusual activity, report it to your bank immediately.
9. Educate Your Family Members
Make sure family members, especially older relatives or young shoppers, know about common holiday scams. Scammers often target older adults and may use social media to trick younger users into sharing personal information. Educating loved ones can help them recognize scams and stay safe.
10. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
With the increase in online shopping, make sure your accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites, and consider using a password manager if you struggle to keep track of them. Strong passwords add an extra layer of security to your personal and financial information.
Following these BBB tips can help make holiday shopping safer and more enjoyable. While the holidays are about giving, protecting yourself from scams is the best gift you can give yourself. Happy and safe shopping!