Holiday scams to watch out for this Christmas
Q. What are some of the scams consumers should be aware of and look for during the holiday season?
A. Santa isn’t the only one keeping track of who is naughty and who is nice! Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of these common holiday scams:
BE CAUTIOUS SHOPPING ONLINE
Because many retailers now have chip card readers, fraud at brickand-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 https in the address (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and for a lock symbol.
LOOK-ALIKE WEBSITES
When shopping online, make sure to use only legitimate websites. Watch out for URLs that use the names of wellknown brands along with extra words.
FAKE SHIPPING NOTIFICATIONS
These can have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on your computer to steal your identity and your passwords. Don’t be fooled by a holiday phishing scam.
E-CARDS
Electronic cards can be great fun, but be careful. Two red flags to watch out for are: the sender’s name is not apparent; you are 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, on 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 at the holidays, but beware of solicitations that require you to share personal information online or pay for a job lead. Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites 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. Those payments cannot be traced and cannot be undone.
FREE GIFT CARDS
Pop-up ads or email offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to get your 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 (bbb.org/scam tracker).
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.