Fake puppy listings, gift exchanges among top holiday scams facing B.C. residents

VANCOUVER — The Better Business Bureau is warning B.C. residents to be cautious about scams this holiday season that include everything from fake puppy listings to bogus gift exchanges.

The non-profit watchdog group has released a list of its top 12 holiday scams.

The group says up to 80 per cent of online pet ads may be fake, and it’s always important to see a pet in person before making a payment.

Other frauds on the list include misleading social media ads, fake charities and advent calendar scams, where promoted providers may be pretending to be the real thing or selling products that are “low-quality knock-offs.”

The bureau also cautions about fake postings of temporary holiday jobs that ask for upfront fees and “secret sisters” gift exchanges promoted on social media that trick people into buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals.

The Better Business Bureau says scammers often exploit the “excitement and urgency” of the holiday season, and people should research the seller in any potential transaction as well as read all reviews before buying goods or donating money.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2025.