With the height of holiday season kicking into gear, scammers could also be trying to take advantage of the influx of purchases.

Claire Rosenweig, president and CEO of the Metro New York Better Business Bureau, says shoppers need to be on high alert this time of year.

Rosenweig warns of online look-alike companies that pose as sites like Amazon.

"You go to the website and the website looks terrific, it looks great, and you decide to purchase and you send them your money," says Rosenweig. 

References are also important. If purchasing a product from a social media influencer or through an advertisement, it is important to know what you are getting into.

The BBB also offers some other quick tips. It says to avoid clicking email links that you do not recognize and to check for company-based email addresses.

For donations, the BBB says to go to its website to check for accredited charities so the money goes where it is supposed to.

Finally, the BBB says to not be afraid to use a credit card.

"Use a credit card. That's what we recommend because at least you have some way to get your money back or to dispute the charges with the credit card company if for some reason you don't get what you expected to get."