HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) -- If you're finishing up holiday online shopping or making an end-of-the-year donation, it's important to watch out for scams.
Karen Reeves with the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama said online scams are heightened around the holidays.
"We've got a lot of folks ordering online," Reeves said. "We also have end-of-the-year giving, so you've got charities wanting solicitations, so all of that leads to an increase in scams."
Reeves said scams can come when online shopping or making a charitable donation.
"We've had quite a few weather events this year, so we've got a lot of folks in the U.S. right now that are still struggling post-hurricane season," she said. "So, of course, we're seeing scams related to that, folks trying to collect money, when maybe it's not a legitimate charity."
Reeves offered a few tips and things to keep an eye out for.
"Make sure you're where you think you are... scammers love to just trade out a letter or two on a website, and you might think you're at a legitimate website when actually you're not."
When it comes to putting your payment information in, it's important to use a credit card.
"Use a credit card," she said. "Always use a credit card. You've got an extra layer of protection. A debit card is just going to give someone access to your checking account."
If you're looking to donate, do your research first.
"When you get to that website, a charity should also always have their mission statement," she said. "They should fully be disclosing how they're using their funds."
Reeves said the BBB offers what they call a "scam tracker." It's a free service to help you from falling victim.
"There is a scam survival tool kit in there, and it is customized to whatever type of scam maybe you've been involved in or become a victim in," she said.
The tracker can be found on their website and takes you step by step.
"Any kind of tips for scammer-related things that you can think of, so, maybe you've been a victim of identity theft or you've had an account compromised... what do I need to do? What are those next steps? It's got the agencies that you need to contact," said Reeves.