The holiday season is one of the busiest shopping times of the year - and scammers know it. That’s why the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Institute for Marketplace Trust, in partnership with Walmart®, is helping consumers shop smart and stay safe while making online purchases.
Did you know? According to BBB research, being aware of scams and how scammers operate greatly improves your chances of avoiding fraud and protecting your personal information.
6 Essential Online Holiday Shopping Tips
Fake deals
Fake deals may look too good to resist, but that’s exactly how scammers lure you in. These bogus offers often claim you’ll snag big discounts or free gifts - but first they ask you to click a link, sign up, or enter your info. Real retailers don’t require you to hand over personal data just to see a deal. Stay alert, and don’t let “too good to be true” bait hook you.
Protect yourself on social media
More than 87% reported losing money when they engaged with a scammer via social media in 2025. Be cautious of ads pitching hard-to-beat prices, or online friends offering great deals. Always research the seller and only shop from their official website or app.
Imposter shippers
Scammers are sending fake shipping alerts that look real—but don’t be fooled. These messages often include links that steal your info or install malware. Legitimate delivery companies won’t ask you to click shady links or enter personal details out of the blue.
Fake deals
Fake deals may look too good to resist, but that’s exactly how scammers lure you in. These bogus offers often claim you’ll snag big discounts or free gifts - but first they ask you to click a link, sign up, or enter your info. Real retailers don’t require you to hand over personal data just to see a deal. Stay alert, and don’t let “too good to be true” bait hook you.
Be wary of unfamiliary sellers
If you are interested in buying from a new seller or website, take time to do research before you buy. Scammers can lure you in with too-good-to-be-true offers that take your money and leave you empty-handed.
Remember: Gift cards are for gifts, NOT for unsolicited payments
Gift cards can be the perfect holiday present for your friends or loved ones, but they can also be a red flag for fraud. Scammers ask people to pay them with gift cards because it’s a convenient way to steal money and difficult to trace or recover. Legitimate organizations will NEVER require you to pay them with a gift card.
How to protect yourself from online shopping scams
BBB resources
General tips:
10 General Scam Tips
How to Spot a Scam
Tips for a great holiday season
Gift cards:
Gift card scams
Don't get scammed out of a gift card
Imposter/impersonation scams:
How to avoid impostor scams
How to spot a BBB impostor
Porch pirates:
6 steps to avoid package theft
Social media:
Social media scams
How scammers use social media platforms
Think twice before buying from these social media ads
Untrustworthy/fake websites:
How to identify a fake website
"Brushing" scam indicates serious problem for victims
Walmart® resources
Report online shopping scams
Have you or someone you know been targeted by an online shopping scam?