The holiday season is prime time for scams and fraud. Check out our new video to learn more about what you need to watch out for this month:
Or just keep reading below for tips to make it through the holiday season scam-free.
Shopping
Whether you shop online or in a store, scammers are looking to hook you. You may be tempted by great internet deals, but beware of copycat sites mimicking well-known retailers. If you do make a lot of online purchases, keep track of what will be delivered to your house. Package delivery hoaxes are all too common this time of year – either by phone or email with a malware link.
Your best bet to shop safely: - Don’t click on a link from an email or social media site unless you are absolutely sure the message is from a legitimate business. - Before making a purchase, do an online search for the “vendor name + scam”. - When shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, use your credit card instead of your debit card for better protection.
Fake Greeting Cards
Be careful of seemingly legitimate-looking greeting cards sent via email – known as ecards – that once they are clicked or downloaded, might contain spyware or a computer virus. Adding to the confusion: these e-mails often appear to be from popular electronic greeting card companies.
How to avoid malware from a fake ecard:
- Don’t open the card if the sender is from someone you don’t know, the URL looks odd, or your name is misspelled. - Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. - Look for a confirmation code accompanying the ecard, which usually takes you to the website issuing the card.
Fake Santas
And if these other scams weren’t enough…look out for a possible phishing scheme by way of an email promoting sending a letter from Santa to your kids or grandkids. It could be a trick to get your personal information and subject you to identity theft.
What to do if you hear from “Santa”:
- Only deal with organizations and people you know when opening unsolicited emails. - Don’t provide personal or financial information. - File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) so they can get the word out to others.
