We made it through Thanksgiving and now we’re running full force into the holiday season. It doesn’t matter what you want – it’s out there! There are gifts out there that you didn’t even KNOW you wanted but now that you know about them, you have to have them. Perhaps it’s the 2024 World’s Greatest Mullet Calendar that is a must-have this holiday season or could it be the Food Take-Out Dice?
We’re looking for bargains and there are lots of deals out there. We also pay attention to rebates and cash back sites like Rakuten®. It’s a far more complicated shopping world and there are so many more choices. There are also more scammers and more opportunities to separate us from our money and personal information.
When you’re sitting in front of your computer looking for bargains, keep these things in mind and watch out for these warning signs.
- You’re offered a HUGE discount. Balsam Hill® warns of fake web sites for their Christmas products offering big savings. The website gets your personal information but you don’t get your product.
- Check out the web site. What does the landing page look like? Are there typos or other obvious mistakes?
- The site requests payment with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- There is high pressure for you to act. “If you don’t buy this whatchamacallit NOW, you will miss out on the sale of the season!”
- You may be contacted asking for confirmation of your information. They may ask for the last digits of your Social Security number. They may want to confirm your account number. What they want is your Personal Identifiable Information.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably ISN’T true!
If you’re shopping for big ticket items or trips for a holiday gift, do your due diligence. Talk to reliable sellers or travel agents. Learn about the product or trip. What can you expect to pay? If it’s a trip, what is included? What are the accommodations? If you’re shopping for jewelry, talk to a jeweler and get ideas of prices, quality, and options.
Do not be impetuous with sales. Lots of businesses want your money and there is solid competition among sellers. You can get very good deals but make sure you are getting the product you want and not setting yourself up for an unhappy holiday season.
Remember: Don’t give out personal information. Don’t rush to take action. Do be cautious. Do ask questions. And – if it sounds too good to be true….. Don’t be a scammee!
Be safe.
