BBB: Shopping smart during the holiday season [Video]

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -The upcoming weekend is reported to be one of the busiest shopping times throughout the year.

As shoppers may take advantage of deals and savings, the Better Business Bureau encourages consumers to do their research before buying.

Every year consumers fall victim to savvy schemes.

The BBB reported that online shopping schemes are up 125% compared to last year’s data. Laura Blankenship, the Better Business Bureau’s regional marketing specialist, recommends some advice to avoid becoming a victim.

“Scammers don’t play by the rules,” Blankenship said.”

Blankenship said a new place schemers are targeting is through social media ads.

“Anyone can create a social media ad. Anyone can try and sell something,” Blankenship said. “Scammers can lace those ads with malware, that if you click on the links to your device then they have access to your device like your account, password, or if you have your bank account linked on those devices.”

The BBB recommends checking the website or shop the ad took …