Beware of increased “scams” during holiday shopping [Video]

The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular toys and gifts at unbelievably low prices. Many of these bogus sites use photos and logos the scammers steal from legitimate businesses, but they won’t send you authentic products.

Scams are prevalent throughout the year, but as we inch towards the gift-giving holidays, it’s advised to be more aware of such fraudulent behavior.

If you receive an odd text? Delete it. If you receive a phone call from an unknown number? Don’t answer it. If you’re communicating with someone and have never met face to face? Do not send them money or gift cards.

That’s the advice of experts like Minnesota Commerce Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement Jacqueline Olson.

“I think a lot of it is slowing down and doing your research,” says Olson. “If you’re buying gifts online, you want to make sure that …