Consumer Alert: How to avoid holiday scams

Courtesy: CNN

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend nearly $700 billion this holiday season.

This means it’s also the most wonderful time of the year for scammers.

Because of the threat of scams and identity theft, the Better Business Bureau has released a list of scams and how to avoid them. 

The first scam to look out for is fake shipping notifications.

You may get an email saying a package is on the way, but the BBB says check before you click; the link may send you to a site that will install malware on your computer and gives scammers your personal data.

Scam number two: E-Cards. 

These are holiday greetings sent via email instead of the post office.  The BBB warns if you don’t recognize the sender, don’t click on the E-Card.

The third scam the Better Business Bureau wants you to look out for concerns gift cards. 

Experts advise checking to see whether the wrapping on a gift card has been tampered with. 

Scammers visit stores and copy the numbers and PINs on the back of cards.  Then, once the cards are purchased, they use the balance online.

A fourth scam to be aware of is bogus charities.

Giving to a charity is a popular alternative to gifts during the holiday season, but the BBB advises you to make sure your generous gifts go to legitimate groups. 

The final scam on the Better Business Bureau’s list: the social media gift exchange. 

These exchanges insist that if you buy one gift for a stranger, you’ll receive several others in return.  According to the BBB, this is not only a bad idea, it’s also illegal.