The naughty list: BBB’s 12 scams of the holidays With the year quickly winding down, Better Business Bureau has compiled our naughty list of the top 12 holiday scams. Back to BBB’s holiday scams page Holiday scams Top 12 holiday scams Secret sister gift exchange is illegal 12 scams targeting businesses Avoiding holiday job scams Social […]
In 2025, gift card scams continue to be a prevalent form of fraud, with scammers exploiting emotional manipulation and urgency to deceive victims, resulting in significant financial losses. Overview of Gift Card Scams Gift card scams have evolved into a major issue, with fraudsters using various tactics to trick individuals into purchasing gift cards and providing the card numbers and PINs. In 2024 alone, Americans reported losing approximately $212 million to gift card fraud, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. norton.com Common Tactics Used by Scammers Creating Urgency: Scammers often pressure victims by claiming there is an emergency or immediate need for funds, such as a family member in distress or a time-sensitive opportunity. 1 Emotional Manipulation: They exploit emotions like fear or guilt, making victims feel responsible for helping or scared to refuse. 1 Impersonation: Scammers may pose as trusted figures, such as family members or reputable organizations, to gain the victim’s trust. 1 Secrecy Requests: Victims are often asked to keep the transaction secret, which can prevent them from seeking help or advice. 1 Fake Rewards: Some scams promise large rewards or prizes in exchange for purchasing gift cards, luring victims into compliance. 1 1 Source Notable Cases in 2025 In 2025, a significant case involved a fraud ring that blackmailed elderly victims into purchasing gift cards worth over $3 million. The scammers used malware to compromise victims’ computers and sent threatening messages about compromised personal information. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of gift card scams and the need for vigilance. Chargebacks911 Protecting Yourself from Gift Card Scams To avoid falling victim to gift card scams, consider the following tips: Be Skeptical: Always question unsolicited requests for gift cards, especially if they create a sense of urgency. Verify Requests: If someone claims to be a family member or friend in need, verify their identity through a different communication method. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and tactics used by fraudsters to better recognize potential threats. 1 By understanding the tactics used by scammers and remaining vigilant, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to gift card scams in 2025. 1 Source norton.com 11 gift card scams and how they work – lifelock.norton.com Social Catfish Gift Card Scams You Should Know About in 2025 – Social Catfish View […]
Getting ready for the holidays means shopping for great online deals or finding the perfect gift for a special someone. It’s also prime time for fraudsters to take advantage of people! Use our resources and support tools to protect yourself against common scams that occur around the holidays. Continue reading for ways to spot and […]
Barrie News 12 holiday scams experts say to be aware of this season By Kim PhillipsOpens in new window Published: December 05, 2025 at 6:59AM EST A person is shown online shopping during the holidays in this file image. If you’re juggling gift lists, deliveries and last-minute deals, experts warn scammers are just as busy, and they’re […]
During the Christmas season, various scams emerge, including fake deals, delivery notices, and charity frauds, targeting holiday shoppers. Types of Christmas Scams Fake Deals and Ads: Scammers often create misleading advertisements on social media, promoting popular toys or luxury items at unrealistically low prices. These ads may lead to cloned websites that look legitimate but deliver nothing or counterfeit products. 2 Delivery Notice Scams: With the increase in online shopping, scammers exploit the situation by sending fake shipping or delivery alerts. These messages may ask for payment or personal information, claiming that a missed package needs a fee to reschedule. 2 Charity Scams: The holiday season is a time of giving, making it ripe for scammers to set up fake charity campaigns. They often request donations via wire transfers or gift cards, which are difficult to trace. 2 Social Media Gift Exchanges: Schemes like “Secret Santa” or gift exchanges can turn into pyramid scams, where participants end up sending gifts without receiving anything in return. These scams often promise easy ways to meet people or swap gifts. 1 Impostor Scams: Scammers may impersonate family members or friends, especially during the holidays, to solicit money for gifts or emergencies. They may use AI-generated voice cloning to make their requests seem more convincing. 2 Employment Scams: As retailers hire seasonal workers, job seekers should be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers may use these opportunities to steal personal information or money from applicants. 1 4 Sources How to Protect Yourself Research Before You Buy: Always verify the legitimacy of online retailers and read reviews before making purchases. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. 2 Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: If you receive unexpected delivery notices or requests for donations, verify their authenticity by contacting the company or charity directly. 2 Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid wiring money or using gift cards for payments, as these methods are often favored by scammers. 2 Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest scams reported by organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the FBI to stay aware of new tactics used by fraudsters. 2 By being vigilant and informed, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to Christmas scams this holiday season.
15 Alibaba Scams: How to Avoid Alibaba Scams/Fraud? Feb 10, 2025 Chapter 3. Payment “Is Alibaba a Scam?“ – a joint statement on the internet! Alibaba scams indeed exist, and one may be a victim in case they are ignorant. The details given in this article enables one to escape being a victim of various Alibaba scams. First: Is […]
Yes, Wuffy, marketed as the Wuffy Robot Puppy, is widely considered a scam due to misleading advertising and poor product quality. Overview of the Scam Wuffy Robot Puppy is promoted as an advanced AI-powered toy that mimics the behavior of a real puppy, including walking, barking, and responding to commands. However, numerous reports indicate that the product delivered is a basic plush toy that does not perform any of the advertised functions. Customers have expressed disappointment upon receiving a product that is vastly different from what was shown in promotional materials. myantispyware.com+2 Deceptive Marketing Tactics Fake Advertisements: The marketing for Wuffy includes slick videos and ads that depict the toy performing lifelike actions, which are often digitally created or exaggerated. These ads create a false impression of the product’s capabilities. 2 Misleading Customer Reviews: Many of the testimonials and reviews associated with Wuffy are fabricated or manipulated to create a sense of trust and credibility. The websites promoting Wuffy often lack verifiable information and use generic layouts common to scam sites. 2 Hidden Subscription Fees: Customers have reported being enrolled in costly monthly subscriptions shortly after their purchase, with refund policies that only offer store credit instead of cash refunds. 1 3 Sources Customer Experiences Numerous buyers have shared their experiences, stating that they received a simple toy that does not match the advertised features. Many have reported unauthorized charges and difficulties in obtaining refunds or returns. myantispyware.com+2 Conclusion Given the overwhelming evidence of deceptive practices and customer dissatisfaction, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the Wuffy Robot Puppy. If you encounter offers that seem too good to be true, especially those involving advanced technology claims, it is essential to conduct thorough research and be cautious before providing any payment information. Protect yourself from scams by staying informed and skeptical of flashy advertisements and unverifiable testimonials. myantispyware.com Wuffy Robot Puppy Review, The Viral Smart Puppy Scam You Need … ScamAdviser.com Wuffy Robot Puppy Review: Real Or Fake Product? View all YouTube https://www.youtube.com › watch Wuffy Robot Dog Review – The Viral AI Puppy […]
The biggest internet scams to be aware of in 2025 (so far) The year 2025 has been marked by a rise in various internet scams, with some of the most prevalent being: E-ZPass Scams: Scammers send texts falsely claiming you have unpaid tolls, often creating a sense of urgency by threatening to suspend your license or enact some other severe punishment. 1 Text-Based Scams: These scams have been the most prevalent in 2025, with texts claiming you have unpaid tolls, often including a link that is not legitimate. 1 AI-Powered Scams: Scammers are using AI to create more convincing and natural-sounding phishing emails and text messages, deepfake videos, and fake identification documents. 1 Investment Scams: These scams often target young adults and prey on their emotions, offering promises of high returns on investment with little risk. 1 Cryptocurrency Scams: The popularity of cryptocurrency has led to a rise in scams, with deepfake technology enabling fraudsters to create fake celebrity endorsements for their crypto schemes. 1 It’s crucial to stay vigilant and be aware of these scams to protect yourself and your personal information. If you encounter any suspicious activity, do not engage with the scam, and always verify the legitimacy of any communication or offer.
/ Fraud & identity theft / Prevention The Latest Scams You Need to Be Aware of in 2025 By Louis DeNicola 12 min readDec 20, 2024 Quick Answer Scammers often use new technology, such as AI, to enhance tried-and-true scams. Learn about the latest twists and types of attacks, and what you can do to stay safe […]
Many City of Hamilton, Ontario departments didn’t have multi-factor authentication in place before cyber criminals launched a massive ransomware attack in February 2024, paralysing nearly all municipal services for weeks. Multi-factor authentication, also sometimes in the form of two-step verification, is a widely used layer of extra security for users logging into a system like their email […]