HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -The upcoming weekend is reported to be one of the busiest shopping times throughout the year.

As shoppers may take advantage of deals and savings, the Better Business Bureau is encouraging consumers to do their research prior to buying.

Every year consumers fall victim to savvy schemes.

The BBB reported online shopping schemes are up 125%, when compared to data from last year. Laura Blankenship, the Regional Marketing Manager with the Better Business Bureau, recommends some advice to avoid becoming a victim.

“Scammers don’t play by the rules,” Blankenship said.”

Blankenship said a new place schemers are targeting is through social media ads.

“Anyone can create a social media ad. Anyone can try and sell something,” Blankenship said. “Scammers can lace those ads with malware, that if you click on the links to your device then they have access to your device like your account, password, or if you have your bank account linked on those devices.”

The BBB recommends checking the website or shop the ad took a consumer to is legit and secure before purchasing products.

If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “HTTPS://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page, according to Blankenship.

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