AVOID THESE SCAMS THIS HOLIDAY
Package Theft.
You can avoid this by making your delivery require a signature or have them delivered to a carrier pickup point such as Amazon’s Locker.
Fake Shopping Sites
Using these will at best send you shoddy goods for high prices and identity theft at worst. You can avoid this by carefully checking the website for a name brand that’s one letter off or has come-ons as part of the name such as DEALS, DISCOUNTS, or SALES. Also avoid if discounts are too step or the site only lists a PO Box or an E-Mail address not a phone number or postal address. Google the company name or YELP.COM
Fake E-mails or Phone Calls
The fake E-Mail will say there was a problem with delivering your gift so click on the link to arrange delivery. DON’T. You’ll get malware.
The fake phone calls ask you to return their call to area codes with very high per minute charges.
Fake Freebies
All sorts of mischief here from credit card theft to malware to ID theft. Check the manufacturer’s web site. If the offer is not there RUN.
Gift Card Rip-offs
Avoid buying cards from gift card racks. Buy from the store issuing it or their websites. Thieves can open gift cards, steal info and cash them when you activate them.
Fake E-Cards
Can contain malware or annoying pop up ads. If you don’t know the sender or the card company or see spelling errors DELETE.
Fake Holiday Job Adds
They will gather enough information to steal your identity.
To avoid this, verify the company is real contact them to see if they are really hiring.