Holiday shoppers are being targeted by online scammers this year [Video]

CONNECTICUT, USA — With over $240 billion in U.S. online sales expected this holiday season, the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut is warning shoppers to be cautious of scams that are rising alongside online shopping trends. 

The scammers are using fake advertisements to lure customers with promises of deep discounts or hard-to-find items, especially through social media platforms.

Reports of online shopping scams surged by 125% last year, with nearly 30,000 incidents reported to the BBB in 2023, up from just 13,000 in 2022. Popular items like beauty products, exercise shoes, and viral tumbler mugs have become prime targets for fraudsters. Pet scams, such as fake offers for rare animals like lizards and sugar gliders, are also on the rise, contributing to the growing number of complaints.

“With nearly everyone shopping online, the risk of falling …