Better Business Bureau’s ’12 scams of Christmas’

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Better Business Bureau helps us take a look at some holiday scams and how to protect yourself from losing your money.

The BBB says remain vigilant this time of year because thieves will try and steal your money and information.

The first scam they want to warn you about is misleading social media ads that look like great deals or offers.

President of the BBB Carl Bates said, “You order it, then they’re gone. So the scammer has either deleted the offer and gotten your credit card information, or maybe hundreds of people’s credit card information, and then they’re gone.”

Some other ones the BBB sees are fake shipping text messages and gift card scams and they’ve already seen over 15 reports just this week.

“Taking the money that you put on the gift card or you’re the person who gave you the gift has put on the gift card off of it before you went to use it. The ones that are in packaging, you need to be very careful that the package hasn’t been tampered with,” Bates said.

You also want to avoid those scams you see about popular holiday items being discounted.

“You know, the hot toy or the hot appliance. And it may be sold out in a lot of our local retailers, but all of a sudden it shows up on social media. You’re usually going to give your credit card, you’re never going to see the item and your credit card may be charged multiple times,” Bates said.

Other ones, like those holiday apps where children can talk to Santa virtually, may contain malware or require unnecessary personal information and impostor scams that use fake websites to steal sensitive information.

There are several more scams the BBB see’s around this time of the year. To learn more, click or tap here.

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