’Twas the month before Christmas and all through the land, there were children writing letters to Santa in his Christmas Wonderland. Their lists were long with lots of gifts, so parents want to make sure to fill their wishes and not cause any rifts.

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Every year, there are always a few “must-have” toys on most kids’ holiday wish lists. The hot toy sells out fast and becomes expensive and hard to find. On top of that, parents worry about getting their deliveries on time. Certain items such as gaming devices, home electronics, toys, unique gifts, concert or play tickets, even puppies can lead you to misleading websites where scammers are using the popularity to trick parents out of their money.

How the scam works

You are looking for these toys, but they are sold out at every store you visit. So, you decide to shop online. A quick search takes you to a page that miraculously has the toy in stock. The site may look professional and have original images of the product. It may even offer the product at discounted prices, claiming a “last-minute deal” or “flash sale.”

Unfortunately, many such offers are fake. In many cases reported to bbb.org/scamtracker, buyers thought they were ordering a high-quality toy.

Instead, they received a cheap counterfeit version. In other cases, the products never shipped at all and the websites vanished. In either case, when the dissatisfied customers tried to follow up with the company, they found that the staff either didn’t respond or refused to provide a refund.

Tips to avoid toy scams

• Only buy toys from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid getting scammed when purchasing toys is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust.

• Don’t be fooled by extra-low prices. Unreasonably low prices are a red flag for a scam on many products. Avoid making a purchase from a retailer you aren’t familiar with just because the price sounds too good to be true – it probably is!

• Research before you buy. If a company seems legitimate but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before offering up your name, address, and credit card information, make sure the company has a working customer service number.

Let’s make this holiday season joyful, scam-free, and full of happy memories. Together, we can protect our loved ones and ensure their wishes come true. When in doubt, check it out!

If you’ve spotted an online scam, report it to bbb.org/scamtracker and subscribe to BBB Scam Alerts for weekly updates about new scams.

The Better Business Bureau encourages you to leave a review for your marketplace interactions. Visit bbb.org/leave-a-review.

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Angela Guth is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Southwest Louisiana. Contact her at 478-6253 or aguth@lakecharles.bbb.org.