12 Scams of the Holidays (Part 2)

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- Canvas Licensed

WORCESTER, MA-The Better Business Bureau of Central New England is back with Part Two of their holiday scam awareness series, The 12 Scams of Christmas. Shannon Manassa warns that scammers ramp up their tricks this time of year, preying on shoppers, job-seekers, and generous donors. Here are four of the biggest threats to watch out for this holiday season:

“Free Gift Card” Scams

You may receive an email, text, or social ad claiming you’ve won a free gift card from a major brand — but you must “click to claim.”
That click can lead to trouble:
• Requests for personal information or login credentials
• Surveys that harvest your data
• Links that install malware
Scammers then steal or sell your information, putting you at risk for identity theft.

Temporary Holiday Job Scams

Seasonal hiring surges during the holidays — and scammers use that to their advantage.
Be wary of:
• Jobs offering high pay for little work
• Positions requiring no interview
• Requests for Social Security numbers before official onboarding
• Upfront fees for “training materials” or equipment
If you’re paying to work, it’s a scam.

Impostor Retail Sites & Fake Customer Service Accounts

Fraudsters create professional-looking fake websites — complete with copied logos and layouts — to mimic trusted retailers.
They advertise huge discounts as bait… but after you pay, your order never arrives.
Scammers may also spoof customer service accounts on social media to steal personal or payment info when you seek help.
Always check URLs carefully and avoid dealing through DMs.

Fake Charities

The season of giving is also a prime time for fake nonprofits. Scammers pressure you to donate immediately using untraceable payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or digital wallets.
If something feels rushed or unclear, take a step back and verify first.
Research all charities at BBB.org before donating.

More holiday scam prevention tips are coming soon from the BBB of Central New England — stay tuned for Part Three of The 12 Scams of Christmas!