The Naughty List: BBB Reveals the Top Holiday Scams of the Season

A Season of Cheer — and Caution

With the end of the year approaching and holiday shopping in full swing, the Better Business Bureau is out with its annual “naughty list” — a roundup of the top scams designed to separate consumers from their money, personal information, and peace of mind. It’s a reminder that while the season brings excitement and generosity, it also gives scammers an opening to take advantage of distracted, rushed, or well-meaning shoppers.

Online Traps Targeting Shoppers

Many of the schemes circulating this year rely on familiar tactics, from misleading social media ads to fake customer service accounts posing as trusted retailers. Consumers continue to report paying for items that never arrive, receiving knockoffs instead of the products advertised, or unknowingly signing up for monthly charges disguised as free trials. Gift-exchange invitations, once marketed as a festive way to “pay it forward,” are still circulating in new forms, but they ultimately function as illegal pyramid schemes that compromise personal information.

Digital Scams Riding Holiday Momentum

Other scams prey on the increased digital activity of the season. Holiday-themed apps targeting children, fake toll-collection texts, phony shipping notifications, and fraudulent charity appeals all made the list again this year. BBB analysts warn that each of these can lead to malware downloads, identity theft, or unauthorized charges if consumers let their guard down.

Even Beloved Traditions Aren’t Immune

Even seemingly wholesome traditions aren’t immune. Advent calendars, wishlist toys, and online pet listings have all been exploited by scammers who capitalize on high demand and limited supply. Reports show consumers receiving incomplete orders, poor-quality products, or no product at all after purchasing from unverified sellers.

Protecting Your Wallet and Your Joy

The BBB’s advice remains consistent: research before you buy, use reputable websites, be cautious of unsolicited messages, and never make payments through wire transfers, prepaid cards, or unfamiliar links. A few extra seconds of caution can protect your money — and your holiday cheer.