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BBB Warns: Holiday Scams Target Young Shoppers

12/13/2025

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BBB Warns Scammers

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns holiday shopping scams are rising, with employment scams posing the greatest risk for those aged 19–34.
Fake charities and misleading social media ads are common during the holidays.
In Georgia, officials report 1,140 attempted senior exploitation cases since the SPEAR Act's implementation, highlighting gift card fraud and 'relative in distress' scams.
The BBB urges consumers to verify charities and research sellers to avoid scams.

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FBI Reports Holiday Scams

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports AI-enabled scams harmed holiday shoppers, totaling more than $785 million in 2024.
Scams include fake delivery notifications, non-delivery and non-payment schemes, and fraudulent online storefronts.
Smishing is rising with a 122% projected increase in November 2025.
Gift card fraud accounted for $217 million of the $10 billion lost in 2023, and the FBI advises avoiding gift cards and upfront-fee job offers.

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BBB Warns Scammers

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns holiday shopping scams are rising, with employment scams posing the greatest risk for those aged 19–34.
Fake charities and misleading social media ads are common during the holidays.
In Georgia, officials report 1,140 attempted senior exploitation cases since the SPEAR Act's implementation, highlighting gift card fraud and 'relative in distress' scams.
The BBB urges consumers to verify charities and research sellers to avoid scams.

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