12 Scams of the Holidays (Part 3)
By-Hank Stolz
Photo- Canva Licensed
WORCESTER, MA– As holiday shopping reaches its peak, the Better Business Bureau is closing out its annual 12 Scams of Christmas campaign by highlighting four of the most common scams consumers face at the end of the season.
With so many people tracking online orders, scammers are increasingly sending fake delivery notifications by text or email. These messages often claim a package is delayed, lost, or requires an additional delivery fee. The links lead to counterfeit tracking pages designed to steal personal information or install malware. The BBB advises consumers to always check tracking updates directly through the retailer’s official website rather than clicking unsolicited links.
Another growing issue involves luxury advent calendar scams. Popular beauty and specialty food calendars are frequently advertised through professional-looking knockoff websites. Shoppers may receive a fake tracking number, a cheap substitute item, or nothing at all. The BBB recommends researching sellers carefully before purchasing specialty or high-priced holiday items.
Seasonal demand for must-have toys also attracts scammers. When popular items sell out, fraudulent sellers often advertise them on social media or unfamiliar websites at “guaranteed” prices that don’t match the market. In many cases, buyers receive counterfeit products or no product at all. Sticking with trusted retailers and being skeptical of unusually good deals can help avoid these scams.
Finally, the BBB warns about puppy scams, which spike during the holidays. Scammers post convincing photos of puppies for sale, then request upfront payments and additional fake fees for shipping, insurance, or medical care. Once payment is sent, the seller disappears. The BBB urges anyone looking to adopt a pet to meet breeders or shelters in person or through live video and to never send money to someone they haven’t verified.
Consumers can find more information and report suspected scams at BBB.org.
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