Texas Beware of These Holiday Scams Taking Place Right Now

Beware of Holiday Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Wallet This Season

As the holiday season approaches, it’s not just the decorations and deals that fill the air, scams are also making their rounds, trying to steal your money and personal information. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, donating to a good cause, or even looking for a holiday job, it’s crucial to stay alert. I spoke with my friend, John Riggins, Director of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for West Texas, who shared some of the latest scams targeting Texans. Here are the top scams to watch out for this holiday season and how you can protect yourself.

1. Misleading Social Media Ads

Scrolling through your social media feed might seem harmless, but watch out for ads promoting “too good to be true” discounts on products or holiday events. BBB Scam Tracker reports daily cases where consumers pay for items that never arrive, are charged for free trials they didn’t sign up for, or receive counterfeit goods. Always check the business profile on BBB.org and read customer reviews before making a purchase.

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2. Social Media Gift Exchanges

A holiday classic scam making the rounds again is the “Secret Sister” scheme, now revamped into various versions like Secret Santa Dog or wine and bourbon exchanges. These scams often ask for personal information and require participants to buy gifts or send money to strangers. This illegal pyramid scheme is designed to steal your money and personal data. Stick to shopping with businesses you trust and check BBB.org for guidance.

3. Holiday Apps: Caveat Emptor

Holiday-themed apps—whether it's for tracking Santa’s sleigh or lighting a menorah—seem fun, but some of these free apps can be dangerous. They might collect excessive personal information or even contain malware. Before downloading any free app, review its privacy policies, check reviews, and make sure it's from a trusted source. If in doubt, opt for apps with a nominal fee, as they tend to be safer.

4. Fake Toll Collection Texts

If you’re planning a road trip this holiday season, be cautious about fake toll collection texts. Scammers impersonate legitimate toll collection services and trick you into paying bogus fees. Never click on a link in a text. If you think you owe a toll, verify it directly with the tolling agency.

5. Free Gift Card Scams

Who doesn’t love a good “free” deal? Scammers exploit this by sending phishing emails offering free gift cards. These emails might look legitimate, but they’re designed to steal your personal information. Don’t open unsolicited gift card emails, and mark them as spam. If you accidentally opened one, avoid clicking any links.

6. Temporary Holiday Job Scams

Looking for a holiday job? Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. Scammers often post fake job listings to steal money and personal information. Be cautious when applying for positions, and always research the company before providing any sensitive details.

7. Impostor Scams

During the holidays, impostor scams are particularly common, especially when shopping online. Watch out for fake websites that look like legitimate retailers, and beware of fake social media accounts pretending to be customer service reps. If you suspect a scam, contact the company directly through their official channels.

8. Fake Charities: Don’t Be Fooled

The end of the year is a prime time for charitable donations, but it’s also when scammers try to take advantage of generous Texans. Always verify a charity through BBB’s Give.org. Don’t donate to unfamiliar organizations, and use a credit card for safer transactions.

9. Fake Shipping Notifications

With online shopping at its peak, scammers are sending fake shipping notifications. These texts or emails may contain links designed to steal your information or trick you into paying additional shipping fees. If you get an unexpected notification, don’t click on any links. Track your packages using official confirmation emails or retailer websites.

10. Deceptive Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are a holiday favorite, but scams around these products have become more prevalent. Some consumers report never receiving the calendar they ordered or receiving inferior products. Do your homework, research companies, check reviews, and look up the business on BBB.org before making a purchase.

11. Holiday Wishlist Items

Looking for popular toys or electronics this season? Be cautious of low-priced luxury goods or designer items, especially those sold by third-party resellers. Many of these are counterfeit or knockoffs. Always verify the seller’s credibility and look for reviews before making a purchase.

How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers and deals that seem too good to be true.
• Don’t rush into donations or purchases, take the time to research.
• Use secure payment methods, and avoid wire transfers or gift card payments for purchases or donations.
• Check for BBB accreditation and read reviews to ensure you’re dealing with trustworthy businesses.

As we enjoy the festive season, let’s stay smart and safe from those who aim to exploit our goodwill. Visit BBB.org for more tips on how to protect yourself and report any scams you encounter. Remember, when it comes to protecting your holiday joy and wallet, a little caution goes a long way!