The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central and South Alabama is warning consumers to stay vigilant against scams targeting holiday shoppers and donors.

With festive cheer in full swing, scammers are capitalizing on the season with schemes designed to steal money and personal information.

To help consumers navigate the holidays safely, BBB has identified the "12 Scams of Christmas," offering critical advice on how to protect yourself.

THE 12 SCAMS OF CHRISTMAS

1. Misleading social media ads: Fraudulent ads promote trendy gifts or deep discounts. Always research businesses at BBB.org before making a purchase.
2. Social media gift exchanges: "Secret Santa" or "Secret Sister" exchanges are often pyramid schemes that can result in financial loss or compromised personal information.
3. Holiday apps: Free seasonal apps may include malware or require unnecessary access to personal data. Review app permissions carefully before downloading.
4. Free gift card offers: Emails or pop-ups offering free gift cards are often phishing scams. Delete these messages without clicking any links.
5. Temporary holiday jobs: Scammers post fake job listings to steal personal and financial information. Verify jobs directly with the company before applying.
6. Impostor scams: Fake websites or customer service accounts can trick consumers into sharing sensitive information. Use only official websites for purchases and inquiries.
7. Fake charities: Fraudulent organizations target generous donors during the holidays. Verify charities through BBB's Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org.
8. Fake shipping notifications: Phishing emails or texts about package deliveries often contain malicious links. Track packages only via original purchase confirmations.
9. Advent calendar scams: Ads for niche or luxury advent calendars may lead to undelivered goods or low-quality items. Research sellers thoroughly.
10. Fake wishlist items: Counterfeit toys and luxury goods are commonly sold on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Use caution when purchasing high-demand items.
11. Fake toll collection texts: Scammers impersonate toll services, sending texts with payment links. Verify toll balances directly with official agencies.
12. Puppy scams: Online pet ads may feature animals that don't exist. Always visit the pet in person before making a purchase.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

To avoid becoming a victim, BBB recommends taking several precautions during the holidays. Before making a purchase, research businesses on www.BBB.org to verify their legitimacy and check reviews. Be wary of unsolicited messages and avoid clicking on unexpected links in emails, texts or pop-ups. For charitable donations, use trusted platforms like https://give.org to ensure your contributions go to reputable organizations. When shopping online, use credit cards for added fraud protection and verify that websites are secure before entering payment details.

Consumers who encounter scams are urged to report them via BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org, helping others avoid falling victim.

For more information, contact Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama, at cbates@csal.bbb.org. For inquiries in the Mobile, Baldwin and Montgomery areas, contact Monde Donaldson, Vice President of BBB Education Foundation, at mdonaldson@csal.bbb.org.