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Better Business Bureau releases "12 scams of Christmas," local shoppers react

The Better Business Bureau is warning shoppers about the "12 scams of Christmas" as the days tick closer to the holiday.

Scammers have already targeted shoppers and residents with different scams ranging from job postings, puppies, and yes, even letters to Santa.

“There’s a lot of scams going on things you wouldn’t even imagine,” said local shopper, Lisa Stewart.

RELATED: Jacksonville Beach nonprofit In the Pink reportedly scammed out of $13,000

Shoppers also told Action News Jax reporter Danielle Avitable that they're receiving more calls and emails than usual because it's the holiday season.

“I worry about my daughter. She is a young adult and she’s been taken advantage of with one of those scams before,” said another shopper, Max Olgin.

With the National Retail Federation expecting retail sales to be at an all time high this year, the BBB wants shoppers to be aware before giving anyone personal information.

The BBB says that most of these scams can be prevented by not clicking on suspicious emails or giving credit card information over the phone to people you don't know.

12 scams of Christmas list: 

  • Look-Alike Websites - An increase in email alerts can mean look-alike websites can trip up consumers. Be sure to review sender's address, check for excessive misspellings, and make sure the website begins with "https" as the "s" means the site is secure.
  • Social Media Gift Exchange - "Purchasing one gift and receiving several in return may sound like a harmless way to give and receive presents, but this seasonal scam is a pyramid scheme, which is illegal."
  • Grandparent Scams - Scammers pose as a grandchild or family member and then claim they've been in an accident, arrested, hospitalized, etc. so be sure to verify by calling a family member directly.
  • Temporary Holiday Jobs - Apply for jobs in person or go to the retailer's website, don't follow links, says the BBB.
  • Free Gift Cards - Don't click links in emails you're unsure about, and do not share any personal information to receive a card as the scammers can use the information later to steal your identity.
  • E-Cards - Spot a fake e-card by checking to see if the sender's name is visible, and do not provide any personal information in order to redeem or open the e-card. Do not open emails with ".exe" files attached.
  • Fake Shipping Notifications - "False notification emails often use a legitimate businesses name and logo to trick you into opening the email and allowing thieves to gain access to personal information and passwords," says the BBB. Do not pay money to receive a package you didn't order and do not give personal information in order to receive an item.
  • Phony Charities - Look for sound-alike names and verify the charity your considering at give.org.
  • Letters From Santa - Copycat scammers offer "special prices" for letters from Santa to children, so check BBB.org to verify.
  • Unusual Forms of Payments -  "Be wary of anyone asking for a strange form of payment as they often can't be traced or undone," says the BBB.
  • Travel Scams -  The BBB warns that while holiday traveling bargains may be tempting, they can come at a high price, so be cautious with email offers and never wire money to someone you don't know.
  • Puppy Scams - Many parents look to add an extra family member during the holidays, so consumers should do an image search online of the photo of the pet provided; if it is on multiple websites, it's most likely a scam, according to the BBB.

To report a scam to the BBB, click here. For more tips on the "12 scams of Christmas", click here.