Don't become a victim! How scammers have turned a letter from Santa into a con!

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- How the Scam Works: You get an email selling a "Handwritten letter from Santa to Your Child." It encourages you to make your child's holiday by purchasing "Santa's special package" for $19.99.

You click on the link, and it takes you to a website. The site promises the special package contains an "official" nice-list certification and customized letter from Santa. There's even a free shipping special that ends (not coincidentally) in just few hours. You decide to purchase and enter your credit card information.

Don't do it! In the best case, you are simply out the $19.99. In the worst case scenario, you just shared your credit card information with scammers, who can now use it for identity theft.

In another version of this scam, the site promises a free letter from Santa. It doesn't request any credit card information, but it does require plenty of personal information, such as your full name, address and phone number. These sites can then turn around and sell your personal information to spammers.

“BBBs have seen complaints from consumers in several states regarding this scam,” said Ran Hoth Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin CEO and President. “Remember, there are legitimate Santa letter websites out there. Check out a company, first, with BBB.org. BBB Business Reviews are completely free.”

How to Spot a Scam Website: 

Follow these tips for spotting an online scam: