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Beware of holiday scams

Scammers operate all year, but they thrive during the holidays when online payments and web usage spike. Scamming can result in you losing money that you can’t get back and, more importantly, having your identity stolen. 

You can help protect yourself by learning how to spot common holiday scams and how to check for trustworthy businesses.

holiday scams

Practice good cybersecurity hygiene

  • Don’t click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on social media. Phishing scams try to trick you into clicking on malicious links so the scammers can capture personal information such as your name, password, and bank account number, and more. Many times you may be unknowingly downloading malware to your device.
  • Be very cautious if a company asks you to update your password or account information. Contact the company directly to verify the situation.

Research the sources you’re buying from or selling to

  • Verify each website’s web address to ensure it’s legitimate and secure. Secure sites will have HTTPS in the web address. If it doesn’t, don’t provide your information on that site.
  • Research companies you are buying from for the first time. Check for reviews and view their Better Business Profile.
  • Verify the legitimacy of a buyer or seller before moving forward with a purchase. Check feedback ratings if you’re using an online marketplace or auction website. Be skeptical of buyers and sellers with mostly negative ratings or no ratings at all.

Be careful how you pay

  • Never wire money directly to a seller.
  • Refrain from paying for purchases with pre-paid gift cards. Scammers will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. The scammer will steal the funds, and you’ll never receive your item.
  • Use a credit card when shopping online and check your statement regularly. If you see a suspicious transaction, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.

Monitor the shipping process

  • Obtain tracking numbers for items you buy online. Monitor the delivery process until you have received your items.
  • When selling items, be suspicious of any credit card purchases where the address of the cardholder does not match the shipping address. Always obtain the cardholder’s authorization before shipping any products.

Keep your guard up. Don’t be a victim this holiday season.

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