The Better Business Bureau has drawn up its list of the top three most popular Christmas scams to avoid. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says don’t give into scams trying to steal your personal information or money through social media ads.
“Even though it looks legitimate. Even though it sounds great and of course we all remember if it sounds to good to be true it usually is. Ask questions, investigate, and don’t assume what you see is accurate through social media.”
The 2022 BBB Online Scams Report found online purchase scams were the most common scheme reported to their Scam Tracker during the holidays.
Fake texts claiming you’ve been hacked are also on the naughty list. If you get such a text, Million says don’t respond to any unknown numbers.
“Just because you’re getting a text that tells you that for instance you owe money for something or some account’s been hacked and you need to contact them back immediately, don’t fall for it.”
Million says buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals through social media gift exchanges are also on the popular list. To avoid falling victim, she says never to make a payment by wire transfer, through a third party, or by prepaid debit or gift card, treat it as a red flag. Because if you’re victimized…
“It’s very hard for them to get their money back because most of these scammers are not even in the United States. You can’t trace them.”
For more information BBB.org/AvoidScams.
Comments