There are so many ways that scammers can get us during the holiday season. More people are shopping online, there is an increased use of credit cards, we are ordering more for delivery, and we’re getting down to the wire for shopping and deliveries, so consumers are getting to the shopping desperation stage. This makes us far more vulnerable.
PORCH PIRATES – These folks steal deliveries from our porches. They may cruise neighborhoods looking for boxes on porches or they may follow delivery trucks. Have items delivered to an address where someone can accept the packages. There are also devices that can offer consumers some protection such as video doorbells, delivery boxes, locked mailboxes, and floodlights.
OUT-OF-STOCK – You find the perfect gift online. You click on the link to the company, complete your order, and check out. You receive an email that says the item is out of stock and the company will refund your money. But it never happens. When you try to contact the company, no one responds. The product never existed. Read more about this type of scam in the Better Business Bureau article.
FAKE SALES or SALES THAT AREN’T SALES AT ALL – Pay attention to pricing in stores. Some may put a ‘sale’ sticker on an item but the price hasn’t changed. There are apps that track pricing and can let you know if you’re getting a deal. A “Consumer’s Checkbook” article published results of tracked prices at some major retailers and found that many weren’t being straight with shoppers.
FAKE CHARITIES – We are generous especially during the holidays. It’s also the time many people consider tax deductions for charitable giving. Scammers will impersonate representatives of charities and make up charities. The Federal Trade Commission tells us what to do “Before Giving to a Charity”. Make sure the charity is real. Donate to local charities with which you’re familiar. Check out the legitimacy of the charity. Don’t make a rush decision on a phone call. Insist they send you information on their charity. Forbes has information on making charitable giving decisions. Another tool that helps you as a donor is Charity Navigator. There is a lot of need so make sure that your donation is getting to the cause you want to receive your money.
Scams like the GRANDPARENT SCAM (a scammer impersonates a family member who is in trouble) are popular during the holidays. The imposter wants “Grandma” to send money to help them. Don’t act impulsively. Call your family member. Have a secret code word that the caller needs to repeat.
SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS – Social Security Administration (SSA) has just sent notices on the Cost of Living Adjustment so scammers are taking advantage of this Moment of Opportunity, and calling to ask for personal information to guarantee that the beneficiaries receive the COLA. Don’t fall for it. The Social Security Administration warns us of scams targeting beneficiaries.
Watch for scammers all year but be especially mindful of the tactics during the holidays! Stay safe!
