For some, shopping online is an easy way to avoid holiday crowds.

But experts say although it might be easier, it can also be the perfect opportunity for scammers to steal from you.

Scammers can't steal your information even with something as simple as a holiday app on your phone.

"There's fake apps where you can have your children chat with Santa Claus, pet the reindeer virtually — all of this while collecting information virtually," said Paul Nebb, a cyber security expert. 

Apps aren't the only things to keep an eye out for. According to Nebb, one in five people fall for a social media gift exchange scam every year.

"You're asked to contribute $10 to give a gift to a secret Santa you don't know and you're told that you will get a gift in return," Nebb said.

From there, you are usually asked to recruit others to do the same, all while scammers keep your money and even private information.

According to the Better Business Bureau, one of the safest ways to make a purchase is with your credit card.

"Lets say you pay with a credit card and you never receive the credit product that you paid for; the credit card companies have the resources and the authority to retrieve their money," siad Robert Obregon with the BBB of South Texas. 

If you're planning on making donations this year, make sure the charity you're giving to is real by checking that the website has a .org in it. 

If they ask for your social security information, it's more than likely a way to steal your identity.

Nebb says one of the biggest tips he can offer is if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.