The holidays are here — and so are the scams that come with them.

To help shoppers and families stay safe, the Better Business Bureau has released its "12 Scams of the Holidays" list as a reminder of how quickly holiday cheer can be exploited.

Here are the top holiday scams flagged by the BBB and how to protect yourself.

Misleading social media ads

Many holiday shoppers find gifts through social media, but scammers know that too. Fake ads can lead to websites that look legitimate but never send what you ordered or send cheap knockoffs instead. Some ads also push subscription traps disguised as free trials. The BBB recommends researching any unfamiliar retailer and reading reviews before you click “buy.”

Social media gift exchanges

Each year, posts circulate inviting people to join

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