Do you know these 12 scams of Christmas? Stay safe over the holidays
2021 is quickly winding down but, scams targeting the public are not.
Each year, the Better Business Bureau does a list of the top 12 scams of Christmas that are most likely to catch shoppers and donors off guard.
More: Here's how to tell if your phone has been hacked and what you can do about it
Here’s a heads-up on what to watch out for.
1. Misleading social media ads
As you scroll through your social media feed, you often see items for sale from a small business. Sometimes the business even claims to support a charity to try to get you to order, or they offer a free trial. BBB Scam Tracker receives reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for, or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised. Do your homework and research the company before ordering. Check out the business profile on BBB.org and read the reviews.
2. Social media gift exchanges
Every year this scheme pops up. But, a newer version revolves around exchanging bottles of wine. The old standby is purchasing $10 gifts online. Another twist asks you to submit your email to a list where participants get to pick a name and send money to strangers to "pay it forward”. Finally, there’s the "Secret Santa Dog" where you buy a $10 gift for your "secret dog." In all of these versions, all you are really doing is giving up your personal information. Plus, you’ve been tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to total strangers. You get nothing in return. And most importantly, it's an illegal pyramid scheme.
3. Holiday apps
Apple's App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their holiday wish lists. Again, like last year when COVID-19 caused children to skip the traditional in-person visit with Santa, apps may be the only viable alternative. Review privacy policies to see what information will be collected. Be cautious with free apps, as they can also contain malware.
4. Alerts about compromised accounts
It’s a con claiming your Amazon, PayPal, Netflix, or bank account has been compromised. Victims receive an email, call, or text message which explains that there has been suspicious activity on one of their accounts, and it urges you to take immediate action. Don’t. Be extra cautious about unsolicited calls, emails, and texts.
5. Free gift cards
So, it’s 'FREE'. At least you think it is. Scammers send out bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. Some of these emails impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to loyal customers that have been supporting their business throughout the pandemic. They may also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner for a prize. Don’t open unsolicited emails. Instead, mark it as Spam or Junk. However, if you opened the email, do not click on any links.
6. Temporary holiday jobs
Jobseekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants. Keep an eye out for opportunities that seem too good to be true i.e., a thousand dollars a week to do little or nothing.
7. Look-a-like websites
These websites are created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases and sharing private information. If you are uncertain about the email, do not click any of the links. Instead, hover over them to see where they reroute.
8. Fake charities
Typically, 40% of all charitable donations are received during the last few weeks of the year. If you’re planning to donate lookout for fake charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need. If you don’t know the charity, check them out first. Verify a charity at BBB's give.org. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.
9. Fake shipping notifications
Online shopping is fast and convenient but that has launched an increase in the number of fake notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Most often, the crook is trying to trick you into paying new shipping fees.
10. Pop-up holiday virtual events
While some have returned in-person events such as pop-up holiday markets or craft fairs, have moved online. Scammers are creating fake event pages, social media posts, and emails, charging admission for what used to be a free event. The goal is to steal credit card information.
11. Top holiday wish list items
When the price is ridiculously low for luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics they are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. Be very cautious when considering purchasing these high-value items from individuals through social sites.
12. Puppy scams
Pet scams are on the rise this year. Request to see the pet in person before making a purchase.
Shop wise, stay safe, and Happy Holidays!
Dennis Horton is director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Do you know these 12 Scams of Christmas? Stay safe over the holidays
