Consumer Reports Warns of Holiday Scams Affecting Shoppers and Gift Givers
As the holiday season approaches, Consumer Reports is alerting consumers to the increased risk of scams. According to Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this time of year is particularly susceptible to fraud due to heightened shopping, gifting, and travel activities. Common scams include fraudulent breeders advertising non-existent pets, unexpected fees for services like heated crates, and widespread gift card scams where thieves steal card numbers before they are sold. Consumers are advised to purchase gift cards directly from retailers and use them promptly. Additionally, holiday shoppers should be wary of social media ads for trendy products and deals that seem too good to be true, as these can often be illegitimate. The BBB also warns against social media gift exchanges, such as the 'Secret Sister' scheme, which are essentially pyramid schemes that can result in personal information exposure. 
