How to avoid getting scammed while online shopping this holiday season

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly approaching, meaning many people will be looking to score a deal ahead of the holidays. There are some precautions to take before shopping online.

Some of the biggest shopping days of the year are just around the corner.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly approaching, meaning many people will be looking to score a deal ahead of the holidays. There are some precautions to take before shopping online.

“Typically, you do see the same types of scams showing up like online purchase scams. We have delivery scams,” said Julia Lewis, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau for Atlantic Canada.

Lewis also said this is a big time of year for scam texts regarding packages or containing malicious links.

The Better Business Bureau recommends doing research before buying anything -- particularly if you’ve been clicking on social media ads.

“Scam advertisers will track your habits and then they will present ads to you that they know you’re going to be likely to use or purchase, and then you do end up receiving items that are nothing like what you thought you had ordered,” said Lewis.

The scams aren’t limited to gifts. The Better Business Bureau said people are also being targeted while trying to buy decorations.