Anything Barbie or Taylor Swift-related appears to be the most sought-after item as we head toward Christmas. 

Scammers are using the popularity of these items to trick parents out of their money, and the Better Business Bureau wants to make sure you don’t fall for the various schemes that are out there. BBB Investigator Don O’Brien says part of protecting yourself is to not wait until the last minute.

If you choose to shop online, O’Brien suggests you only buy from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid getting scammed when purchasing toys is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust. And don’t be fooled by extra-low prices, which should be a red flag for a scam on many products. 

For more information about avoiding scams this holiday season, go to https://www.bbb.org/all/holiday