Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
As the holiday season ramps up, so does the risk of scams. Decorating your home or yard for Christmas or other festive occasions is one of the most targeted areas for fraudsters. According to BBB Scam Tracker reports, scammers create fake or misleading online ads that promote large, elaborate decorations at dirt-cheap prices.
These ads are usually bold, eye-catching, and designed to look like they’re coming from trusted retailers or well-known social media sellers. The product photos are impressive and include towering inflatables, animated yard figures, sparkling light displays — and the prices seem almost too good to pass up. Once you place your order, the reality is very different. When the package arrives (if it arrives at all), the item is nothing like what was advertised. Instead of the seven-foot Santa you thought you were buying, you might receive a miniature figurine. Some shoppers receive cheap, flimsy knockoffs; others never get any product whatsoever.
To make matters worse, the scammer usually disappears as soon as the purchase is complete. The website may shut down overnight, emails may bounce back, and customer service numbers often lead nowhere. With no way to return the item or reach the seller, consumers are left without their money and without the holiday décor they were promised.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
- Do your homework. Before buying, check the company’s reputation. Do they have a real phone number, email, and physical address? See what people say on BBB.org.
- Be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” deals. If a huge animated display is being sold for a fraction of what you’d expect, that’s a red flag.
- Avoid impulse purchases from social media. Take time to research the seller, not just click an ad.
- Use a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards offer robust protections and the ability to dispute fraudulent or undelivered charges.
- Beware of sketchy payment methods. If you’re asked to pay via wire transfer, gift cards, or other hard-to-trace options, that’s a major warning sign.
For more tips and resources, visit BBB.org. To find businesses in your area, go to BBB.org/Search. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected]. Have a scam to report? Report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
