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(Beware... Be Aware Of)... Top Christmasscams of 2022

TheBetter Business Bureau has released its list of top scams of Christmas 2022.

Misleading social media ads
Online purchase scams were the most commonly reported cons in 2022. People havereported payingfor items they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial theynever signed up for or received an item that's counterfeitor very different than advertised.

How to avoid:
Before ordering, check the business profile on BBB.org and read the reviews.

Social media gift exchanges
This scheme pops up every holiday season. A newer version of this scam involvesexchanging bottles of wine. Another suggests buying $10 gifts online. Anothertwist asks you to submit your email into a list where participants picka name and send money to strangers to "pay it forward." Inall these versions, participants share their personal information, along withthose of family or friends, and are further tricked into buying and shippinggifts or money to unknown people. It's an illegal pyramid scheme.

How to avoid:
Don't participate - ignore it and report social media posts advertising it. Youcan learn more about the social media gift exchange here.

Free gift cards
Scammers have been known to take advantage of the beloved word "free"by sendingbulk phishing emails asking for personal information to get free gift cards. Insome of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimatecompanies and promise these gift cards as a reward fortheir loyal customers. They may also send pop-up ads or texts with link sayingyou were randomly selected as the winner for a prize.

How to avoid:
If you have received an unsolicited email with gift card offers, don't open it.Mark it as spam or junk. You can learn more here.

Alerts about compromisedaccounts
You're more likely to fall for this one during the busy holiday season. Thisscam claims your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised.Victims receive an email, call or text which explains there's been suspiciousactivity on one of their accounts, urging them to take immediate action toprevent the account from being compromised. Learn more about compromisedaccount scams here.

How to avoid:
Be extra cautious with unsolicited calls, emails, and texts. Don't be quick tobelieve claims from unsolicited communications. If you want to check on youraccount status, go directly to the website. It's also a good idea to understandhow the legitimate business communicates with customers.

Fake shipping notifications
With more online shopping means more notifications about shipping details fromretailers and carriers. Scammers use this new surge tosend phishing emails with links that may allow unwanted access to privateinformation or download malware on to your device. Theymay also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees. Learn more aboutdelivery and package scams here.

How to avoid:
Take precautions to ensure a safe delivery - if you're having a valuable orfragile item delivered to your home, purchase shipping insurance. Get atracking number for your package and check its status periodically. You canalso request a signature, and be sure to watch out for texts, calls or emailsabout a missed delivery. Legitimate delivery services usually leave a"missed delivery" notice on your door.

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