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Scammers have eyes on your home Christmas decorations

These $5 Snow Globe Christmas Lights Are So Popular Target Can’t Keep Them In Stock
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BALTIMORE — It's that time of year, getting bins out the attic, snagging a ladder and hanging Christmas lights.

As you try having the coolest house on the block, scammers are looking for ways to get your money.

"Scams often pick up during the holiday season cause people are browsing more," said Sade Lemons with BBB of Greater Maryland.

Maybe you decide to save energy, and instead call someone to decorate for you.

In some cases, these people are looking to scam you by securing a down payment, only to never show up.

"You don't want to have anyone getting on to your roof that isn't properly trained and insured. You also want to make sure someone actually has experience in designing lighting, that they're not just haphazardly installing lights," said Ted Carter, the President of Pinehurst landscaping.

With more people opting to have their Christmas lights professionally installed, Carter knows how to get a reaction out of his customers.

"We're seeing a noticeable increase in demand for Christmas lights, it's the ability to bring a winter wonderland for people's homes," said Carter.

Picking out decorations can lead to another scam.

"People are ordering ornaments, they're ordering lights just to get them in that festive mood but what's happening is they're either not receiving their items or they're on the look out but it's not coming," said Lemons.

Sometimes customers receive something totally different than what they ordered. Getting a refund is no easy task.

"So one of the ways people can actually get a refund is if you pay with a credit card, you're able to dispute fraudulent charges," said Lemons.

So what can be done to avoid falling victim to a scam.

"If you are interested in doing something like this it is important that you do your research and it's not just a fly by night operation," said Carter.