Avoid Holiday Scams With These Tips

The holiday season is a time for giving, but unfortunately, it also brings out scammers trying to take advantage of our generosity and busy schedules. From fake online stores to sophisticated artificial intelligence voice phishing, here’s a quick guide to the most common holiday scams and how to protect yourself.

1. Fake Online Stores: Scammers create websites offering huge discounts on popular items. These sites might look legitimate, but once you pay, the product never arrives. Thescammers copy designs and images from real retailers to trick shoppers into making purchases.

2. AI Voice Phishing: Using artificial intelligence, scammers clone the voices of loved ones, making it sound like someone you know is in trouble and needs money urgently. The scammer calls pretending to be a family member or friend and requests an immediate transfer of funds.

3. Package Delivery Scams: You might receive a fake message claiming there’s an issue with a package and asking you to click a link or provide personal info. The scammer pretends to be a delivery service like UPS or FedEx. Clicking the link could lead to malware or personal data theft.

4. Charity Scams: Fraudsters create fake charities, using emotional appeals to solicit donations. These donations never reach those in need. Scammers might contact you through emails, phone calls, or social media, often mimicking legitimate organizations.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Verify Before You Buy or Donate: Research any unfamiliar online store or charity before entering payment information. Look for secure payment options and check with sites like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls or Messages: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a relative or friend asking for money, verify the request by contacting them directly using a known phone number.

3. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Don’t click on any unexpected package delivery notifications or promotional emails. Instead, visit the retailer’s or delivery company’s website directly.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security through 2FA can help protect your accounts, even if your password is compromised.

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to spot any unusual activity.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED

1. Report It: Immediately contact your bank or credit card company to get help in filing a dispute for any fraudulent charges. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

2. Change Your Passwords: If your accounts have been compromised, change passwords right away. Use strong, unique passwords for added security.

3. Freeze Your Credit: If identity theft is suspected, freeze your credit with the major bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

By staying cautious and vigilant, you can avoid falling prey to holiday scams and enjoy a safe, happy holiday season!