12 Scams of the Holidays (Part 1)
By-Hank Stolz
Photo- Canvas Licensed
WORCESTER, MA– As the holiday season ramps up, so do the efforts of scammers hoping to take advantage of excited shoppers and generous gift-givers. Shannon Manassa, Director of Operations for the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, joined Hank Stolz to kick off Part 1 of The 12 Scams of the Holidays, offering critical guidance on what to watch for this year.
Misleading Social Media Ads
Shoppers are being targeted by ads that look legitimate even featuring fake reviews but lead to counterfeit items or no delivery at all. Before you click “buy,” Shannon suggests checking BBB.org, reading independent customer reviews, and verifying that the company actually exists. A quick search can prevent a holiday headache.
Social Media Gift Exchanges
These pyramid-style schemes promise that one gift sent to a stranger will turn into dozens in return but it never works. The chain collapses, shoppers lose money, and their personal data lands in the hands of bad actors.
Risky Holiday Apps
From “call Santa” apps to holiday games, many of these apps request far more personal information than necessary or hide pushy in-app purchases. BBB says to double-check permissions and be cautious before downloading anything that tracks location or collects user data.
More scams are coming as the countdown to Christmas continues and Shannon will be back with Part 2 soon to keep Central Mass families informed and protected.
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