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This is the season of giving, but scammers are always about taking. This month, we’re unwrapping the most common holiday scams so you can shop smarter and stay safe. From fake holiday sales to shipping scams, learn how to spot the tricks hidden among the holiday threats.
Keep your holiday shopping stress-free with these tips to avoid fake websites, gift cards scams, and more.
During the holiday rush, scammers create fake sales, websites, and social media accounts that look irresistible but are designed to steal your money or personal information. Be cautious of deeply discounted items from unfamiliar retailers, especially on social media or via unsolicited emails. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Stick to trusted retailers and always verify the website before making a purchase — which bring us to our next topic.
Scammers often create convincing fake websites to trick holiday shoppers. Look for red flags like poor spelling or grammar, unfamiliar domain names, or sites that lack “https” or a lock icon in the URL. Always research a company you’re unfamiliar with before making a purchase and avoid clicking on suspicious links from emails or ads.
The Better Business Bureau has a scam tracker that receives daily reports of people purchasing items they never receive.
Legitimate and fake shipping notifications are common during the holidays, preying on shoppers who are awaiting deliveries. Be wary of texts or emails claiming you need to “confirm your information” or pay extra shipping fees.
Check tracking numbers directly on the retailer’s website and never share personal or payment information through suspicious and unsolicited links.
Who wouldn’t love a free gift card during the holidays? Unfortunately, scammers use fake offers to steal your personal or financial information. Real gift card offers will never ask for sensitive details upfront. If you receive an unsolicited message offering free gift cards, it’s likely a scam. Always verify the source before you engage with the offer.
Fraudsters are lurking around every corner. From social security scams to social media giveaways and home improvement scams, it’s important to stay vigilant and informed. Let’s dive into these scams and learn how to protect ourselves from falling victim.
Source of this month’s scam information:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/holiday-online-shopping-scams-spot-091452837.html
https://states.aarp.org/tennessee/watch-out-for-these-5-holiday-scams
https://www.bbb.org/all/holiday-hq/scams/12-scams-of-christmas
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