Top holiday scams to be on the lookout for

LOS ANGELES - Holiday scams are more common than ever, targeting shoppers, donors, and job seekers during the busy season. Both the FBI and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning consumers to stay alert. Fraudsters exploit online shopping, social media, and even holiday traditions to steal personal information and money.

Here’s what to watch out for this holiday season:

Misleading ads and shopping scams

The BBB reports a rise in fake social media ads offering discounted or hard-to-find items. Many consumers never receive their orders or end up with counterfeit goods.

The FBI also highlights "non-delivery scams," where scammers take payments but fail to send the product. These scams led to $92 million in reported losses during the 2023 holiday season.

What to do: Stick to verified retailers and research businesses on BBB.org before making purchases. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Social media scams

From fake gift card offers to "Secret Sister" exchanges, scammers use social platforms to collect personal data and money. Gift exchanges often involve illegal pyramid schemes that trick users into sharing their contact information.

Some scammers also use social media to sell puppies, collecting payment and additional fees but never delivering the animal. The FBI received over 2,600 puppy scam complaints in 2024, totaling $5.6 million in losses.

What to do: Avoid social media offers involving payment or personal data. Never send money for a pet unless you’ve met it in person.

Fake charities

Fraudulent charities use phone calls, emails, and social media to target generous donors. Scammers often mimic legitimate organizations with similar names or vague crowdfunding campaigns.

What to do: Verify charities on BBB’s Give.org and donate directly through official websites. Be cautious of high-pressure donation requests.

Impostor websites and fake shipping notifications

Fake websites often mimic well-known retailers, tricking shoppers into sharing payment information or downloading malware. Scammers also send fake shipping notifications with links to "track your package."

What to do: Only use links from your original purchase confirmation email to track packages. Avoid unsolicited links or emails asking for payment.

Seasonal job scams

Temporary holiday jobs are another area scammers exploit. Fake job listings often require upfront fees or personal information. Employment scams were the riskiest for adults 18-44 in 2023, according to the BBB.

What to do: Apply through trusted platforms and avoid jobs that seem too good to be true.

Stay protected

The FBI recommends securing accounts with strong passwords and monitoring bank statements for unusual activity. Be cautious when sharing personal information online or clicking links in unsolicited emails.

If you suspect fraud, report it to your financial institution, local law enforcement, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).