5 Tips to Avoid Scammers This Holiday Season

Tiffany Meier
By Tiffany Meier
December 13, 2018Business News
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With expected record-setting holiday spending, the scammers are on the prowl as well.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend nearly 700 billion dollars this holiday season.

With that much money floating around, it’s also the season for scammers.

Because of the threat of identify theft, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released five tips to avoid scams.

1. Beware of Fake Shipping Notifications

You might get an email saying your package is on the way. However, pause before you click. The BBB says to double-check before clicking the link, as it might send you to a site that will install malicious malware on your computer. It can also give scammers access to your personal data.

2. Beware of E-Cards

E-cards sent over the internet instead of through the post office might seem like a fast and easy way to send holiday cheer, but the BBB warns if you don’t recognize the sender, don’t click.

3. Beware of Gift Cards

It’s not just the e-cards that can be scams, gift cards can be as well.

Experts say to check if the wrapping has been tampered with, it could be signs of a scammer’s work. Scammers visit stores and copy the numbers and pins on the back of the cards. Once the cards are purchased, they can use the balance online.

4. Beware of Bogus Charities

Double-check to make sure that your generous gifts are going to legitimate charities, and not to scammers.

5. Beware of the Social Media Gift Exchange

These exchanges insist that if you buy one gift for a stranger you’ll receive several others in return.

This is a bad idea, and also illegal, according to the BBB.

Just remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

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