Stay Alert: Top Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out For This Season

FBI Warns of Holiday Shopping Scams

Source: DC News Now

Understanding the Risks

• Holiday Cons: Many individuals fall victim to scams during the festive season, losing more than just their holiday spirit.
• Common Scams:
  • Non-Delivery Scams: Customers pay for goods or services but never receive them.
  • Non-Payment Scams: Goods are shipped, but no payment is received.
  • Auction Fraud: Purchased items are misrepresented on auction websites.
  • Gift Card Fraud: Sellers may request payment via prepaid cards.

Protecting Yourself

The FBI emphasizes the importance of vigilance while shopping:

• Cybersecurity Hygiene: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
• Verify Sellers: Ensure websites are legitimate (look for "https" in URLs) and read reviews for unfamiliar sellers.
• Communication Caution: Be wary of sellers claiming to reside in the U.S. but communicating from abroad.

Safe Payment Practices

• Never wire money directly to a seller.
• Avoid using prepaid gift cards for purchases.
• Use credit cards for online shopping and monitor statements closely.

Monitoring Purchases

Ensure a smooth shopping experience by:

• Obtaining tracking numbers for all online purchases.
• Being suspicious if the cardholder’s address doesn't match the shipping address.