Social Media Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season

Social Media Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season



As holiday shopping kicks into high gear with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shoppers are flocking to social media for deals and inspiration. But not all deals popping up on your feed are worth the click. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), online fraud reports skyrocketed in 2023, with over 29,000 cases—a staggering 116% increase from the previous year.

Social Media: The Fraud Frontier
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that social media platforms have become the top source of fraud, with scammers targeting unsuspecting consumers through ads for popular and trending products. A few everyday items frequently used to bait shoppers include:

  • Beauty products
  • Viral social media items
  • Puppies and rare animals
  • Popular shoes

Red Flags to Spot Scams
Before clicking on that "too-good-to-be-true" deal, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

  • Deep Discounts: Prices significantly lower than market rates are a major red flag.
  • Unrealistic Promises: Offers that sound too good to be true often are.
  • Long Shipping Times: Many fraudulent sellers claim extended delivery windows to avoid immediate detection.
  • Unprofessional Websites: Look for spelling errors, poorly designed pages, or strange URLs.

How to Protect Yourself
The BBB and FTC recommend these steps to avoid falling victim to scams:

  1. Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps.
  2. Research the Seller: Search for reviews and complaints online before purchasing.
  3. Be Cautious of Ads: Even if an ad appears legitimate, take time to verify its authenticity.
  4. Check Reviews: Reviews can reveal whether previous buyers received what they ordered—or were left empty-handed.

Remember: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and shop smarter this holiday season to protect your wallet from scammers.

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