BBB warns consumers to avoid holiday scams

Reporter: Lindsey Sablan
Published: Updated:
FILE: Cyber security

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Santa isn’t the only one keeping track of who is naughty or nice. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of these common holiday scams:

  • Be cautious shopping online: Since many retailers now have chip card
    readers, fraud at bricks-and-mortar stores is down, so scammers have shifted their efforts online. Use a credit (not debit) card online and only shop on secure websites. Look for a “https” in the web address. The extra “s” is for “secure.”
  • Look-alike websites: When shopping online, make sure to use only legitimate websites. Watch out for URLs that use the names of well-known brands, as well as extra words.
  • Fake shipping notifications: These notifications can have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on your computer to steal identities and passwords. Don’t
    be fooled by a holiday phishing scam.
  • E-cards: While electronic cards can be fun, be on the lookout for certain red flags, such as the sender’s name being unclear and being required to share additional information to get the card.
  • Letters from Santa: Several trusted companies offer charming and personalized letters from Santa, but scammers mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents. Check with bbb.org to find out which ones are legitimate.
  • Emergency scam: Be cautious if you get a call from a family member or friend claiming to be in an accident, arrested, or hospitalized while traveling in another country. Never send money unless you confirm with another family member that it’s true.
  • Phony charities: Everyone is in a generous mood during the holidays, so scammers take
    advantage of that with fake charity solicitations in email, social media sites and even by
    text. Check out charities at give.org before donating.
  • Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers and delivery services need extra help during the holidays, but beware of solicitations that require personal information to be shared online or make you pay for a job lead. Apply in person or go to a retailer’s main website to find out who is hiring.
  • Unusual forms of payment: Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for holiday purchases using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These payments cannot be traced or undone.
  • Free gift cards: Pop-up ads or email offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to acquire personal information that can later be used for identity theft.
  • Social media gift exchange: It sounds like a great deal; buy one gift and get 36 in return. But it’s just a variation on a pyramid scheme and it’s illegal.

To find out more about scams or to report one, go to BBB Scam Tracker.

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