PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
It has been 3 years since I last posted an alert to our readers about the current holiday scams out there to avoid. Click here to read it. Well, wait until you read this new list of current scams to be on the lookout for! There are a couple of repeat scams, but a lot of new ones! It seems that with the advances of AI and new technology comes more tricky ways that scammers can take you money. Be careful and vigilant!
Holiday Scams to Avoid This Season: New Scams You Need to Know
With an increase in gift giving there is also an increase in online shopping. Scammers know that people are looking for gifts on social media and through websites. Scammers also know that websites and popular stores can provide customers with information through text messages. The holidays are costly enough without becoming a victim of scammers. Luckily, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released their top 12 holiday scams to look out for.
- Misleading Social Media Ads:
BBB Scam Tracker receives daily reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for, or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised. This can be especially common now that AI can be used to advertise goods that do not even exist.
In 2024, the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report found that online purchase scams were the fourth riskiest scam reported by consumers.
- Social Media Gift Exchanges:
This recurring scheme is popular during the holiday season. Newer versions of this scam revolve around exchanging bottles of wine or bourbon; purchasing $10 gifts online; or asking you to submit your email to a “pay it forward” list where participants get to ‘pick a name and send money to strangers’. These Illegal Pyramid Schemes make participants share their own personal information and information of their family or friends, who are further tricked into buying and sending gifts or money to unknown individuals.
- Holiday Apps:
“Got any games?” the children in your family will say when they see you pull out your phone this holiday season. As the “funcle” or fun uncle of the family, of course you are going to download several holiday games that the kids can play. In my house, the apps where you can track Santa have been particularly popular.
The BBB recommends that “funcles” and relatives alike review privacy policies to see what information will be collected. Be wary of free apps, as they can sometimes contain more advertising than apps that require a nominal fee. Free apps can also contain malware. Be sure to read app reviews!
- Fake Toll Collection Texts:
Traveling to see family or friends this holiday season? With fake road toll collection texts scammers will impersonate a state road tollway collection service. The text says you owe a road toll fee and provides a link to click to make your payment – don’t click the link. If you think that you may really owe road tolls, verify your outstanding balance with the legitimate agency.
Read more about fake road toll collection scams and travel scams.
- Free Gift Cards:
One of my favorite phrases is “Free .99 is my favorite price!” and I know that I am not alone in this. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers send bulk phishing emails, pop-up ads, or text messages requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to reward their loyal customers. If you see these emails, do not open them. If you have already opened them, again, don’t click the link.
Read more about gift card scams.
- Temporary Holiday Jobs:
If you’re looking to earn a little more cash this holiday season, keep this in mind: Employment scams were identified as the number one riskiest scam for people ages 18-34 in 2024. Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers, including delivery services. Job seekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants.
Read more about holiday job scams and employment scams.
- Impostor Scams:
These scams can take many forms. When shopping online, be on the lookout for fake, look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases, and sharing private information.
Also, if you’re reaching out to a business on social media for customer support, watch out for fake social media accounts pretending to be a customer service representative for a business. When in doubt, go to the business’s website and find their official social media handles, or use the information on the site to reach out.
Read more about impostor scams and how to identify a fake website.
- Fake Charities:
Yes, you read that right. The last few weeks of the year are a busy time for charitable donations. Look out for fraudulent charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need.
Donors should avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Responsible organizations will welcome a gift tomorrow as much as they do today. Verify a charity at BBB’s Give.org or on the Canada Revenue Agency website. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.
Read more about fake charities.
- Fake Shipping Notifications:
With more online shopping comes more shipping and an increase in messages about shipping. In fact, US holiday package deliveries are projected to rise 5% from 2024. Scammers send phishing emails and texts about package deliveries with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. Scammers also try to trick people into entering card information and paying additional shipping fees. Never click a link in a text or email that you’re not expecting. If you want to track a package, find the original email or text confirmation you received directly from the store and use that link.
Read more about fake delivery texts and delivery and package scams.
- Advent calendars
Yes- the Calendars with numbered flaps, one of which is opened on each day of the holiday. In recent years, BBB has received reports to Scam Tracker about advent calendar ads on social media. Some were not received, others received inferior products, and incomplete orders. Consumers should research before they buy, read reviews and look up the company on BBB.org before purchasing. BBB also has a shopper’s guide to help you purchase that niche advent calendar.
Read BBB’s tips for buying an advent calendar.
- Holiday Wishlist Items:
Low-priced luxury goods are more often than not cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. Be very cautious when considering purchasing popular toys and goods from resellers on Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms.
Read more about holiday hot toy scams and online purchase scams.
- Puppy Scams:
Considering adding a furry friend to your household this year? Be on the lookout for scams. Experts say a shocking 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. Be sure to see the pet in person and from a reputable breeder before making a purchase. Understanding the most common holiday scams to avoid can save consumers time, money, and stress.
Read more on pet scams.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Holiday Scams this Season?
These holiday scams to avoid are becoming more sophisticated each year. Be smart, careful and don’t get scammed! If you have any questions or need more information about holiday scams, you should contact your local Better Business Bureau or review a business’ profile on BBB.org. We can’t be too vigilant especially during the holidays!
PUBLISHER’S APPRECIATION TO RACHEL RECKER!
I want to thank Rachel Recker for helping draft this blog article. She graduated in May from the University of Dayton School of Law and besides clerking with us she passed the Bar exam and was sworn in as an attorney on November 17, 2025. CONGRATULATIONS Rachel – well done! You are an excellent writer with a bright future!
© 2025, Ohio Family Law Blog. All rights reserved.
Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he previously managed the Dayton law firm of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues LPA until it dissolved on December 31, 2024. He founded MUESLAW in 2025. To learn more about him or MUESLAW, visit www.MuesLaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141. He can be contacted by email at chip@mueslaw.com.
