BBB Warns Of The “12 Scams of Christmas”

The holiday season is filled with fun and frivolity but unfortunately, there are people that want to try and take advantage of us. It's nothing new. Scams happen every year around this time but it's good to know what to watch out for since some of the scams seem "harmless" on social media or online.

The Better Business Bureau is warning people to be aware of scammers this holiday season. According to WBTV, they've released their naughty list: the "12 Scams of Christmas."

The first scam mentioned is misleading social media ads. As you scroll through you'll see ads in your feed, some for smaller business. Some even say they give proceeds to charity. Be careful of these ads. Always verify the company is real and not a scam. A few years ago I ordered shoes from a business I saw advertised on Facebook. I Googled the business to make sure it was real. What I didn't do was read the reviews people left. It was a shoe company that would put a picture of your dog on shoes. I had just lost my dog Gypsy and wanted to remember her. I thought the shoes would be great. $100 later, no shoes and no response to my many messages and emails. Totally got scammed! Make sure you really investigate the business before giving them your money.

Another scam listed is social media gift exchanges. We've all seen these on Facebook and EVERY year, I'm invited by someone to participate in one of these. They sound like a good idea but be wary. One of the newer versions of this scam revolves around exchanging bottles of wine; another suggests purchasing $10 gifts online. Another asks you to submit your email into a list where participants get to pick a name and send money to strangers to “pay it forward.” All of these sound nice for the holidays but they're a scam. If you want to pay it forward, buy the meal or coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru line or give to a documented charity.

Puppy scams are around this time of year and many people I know have fallen to this scam. You pay partially or in full for a puppy that's supposed to be ready by the holidays, and then crickets from the people you paid. Never pay up front unless you KNOW it's a legitimate company or unless you have a contract.

See all 12 scams here and be careful! You don't want anyone taking your hard earned cash!