12 scams of Christmas: Advent calendar scams target holiday shoppers online

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Advent calendars are more popular than ever, with many in high demand, but scammers are targeting holiday shoppers with fake products and fraudulent websites.

The Better Business Bureau said some customers report receiving knock-off items, empty doors, or their Advent calendar never showing up at all. When customers try to contact the seller, they realize the website is gone and so is their money.

Social media ads for Advent calendars are common this holiday season, but the BBB warns shoppers to resist the urge to buy these online calendars on a whim, especially if they’re cheap.

Some scammers create websites impersonating well-known companies. If you’re skeptical, leave the social media app and visit the actual website.

The BBB of Eastern Carolinas spokesperson, Nicole Cordero, said sometimes you can skip the Advent calendar altogether and walk away with the same items at a lower price.

“Sometimes you’re buying an Advent calendar for a lot of money, and you can actually get all of the smaller sizes for the real thing,” Cordero said. “See if you can’t just get it for a holiday sale and save your money.”

You can make sure a website is legitimate by checking the URL for HTTPS, which means it’s secure. Search the product online, followed by the word “scam,” to see if there are any complaints.

You can also check the BBB scam tracker to see if anyone else has reported the company or product as a scam.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WMBF. For more free content like this, download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.