Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams
As the holiday shopping season approaches, remember scammers are shopping too, searching for people to scam out of their money. Below are three tips to avoid falling victim to scams this holiday.
- Beware of Clicking on Social Media Ads: Commonly reported losses from fraud on social media sites come from people who tried to buy something from an ad or post Facebook or Instagram. Consumers report stories of undelivered merchandise and lost money. To avoid falling victim, be sure to only shop using verified and legitimate retail sties.
- Gift Cards are for Gifting, NOT for Scammers: Gift cards are a great option for that hard to buy for loved one on your list, but they’re also a scammers ideal way to steal your money. Anyone who contacts you and demands payment in the form of gift cards is always a scammer.
- Do Your Research on Charities Before You Give: The generous spirit of the holidays means year end gifts to charities and non-profits. However, make sure you investigate a charity before you give. If someone calls and pressures you to give money to a new charity, don’t let them rush you. Hang up, and research the charity to make sure it’s legitimate.
Helpful information from the Federal Trade Commission:
Learn more about gift card scams
More FTC Tips for Happy Holiday Shopping
Report fraud to the FTC