Holiday scams are unfortunately common, as reported in a recent AARP survey. Here are some key takeaways from the survey and some tips to protect yourself:
🎄Be a smart giver:
- Ever received a suspicious donation request? You’re not alone — 39% of us have been there. 🎁
- Stick to charities you know and love, or support local causes.
- Check out these helpful resources to learn more about unfamiliar charities:
🎄Online Shopping Hacks:
- Don’t let scammers steal your joy! Over a third of us have experienced fraud from online ads.😧
- Stick to trusted websites, and don’t click on tempting shopping links you receive in random emails.
- If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use credit cards rather than debit cards, which often have more consumer protections.
- Never give your Social Security or driver’s license numbers to buy goods or services.
- If you feel an agent asks for too much information, go with your gut. Stop the sale.
- Shop local! Be it a big-box store or boutique on the corner, it’s safer to shop in person. Besides, local, brick-and-mortar small businesses rely on our business. It’s a win-win!
- See the National Cybersecurity Alliance article Online Shopping for more tips.
🎄Outsmart Shipping Scam Grinches:
- Beware of phony shipping notifications. 29% of us have fallen for them. 🚚
- Confirm deliveries directly with the shipping company.
- Don’t share private information in response to notifications that can come by text messages, emails, or even notes left at your door.
- For more details, see Chargeback 911’s article on Shipping Scams.
🎄Be Travel-Savvy and Scam-Free:
- Don’t let fraud ruin your trip! 15% of travelers have faced travel-related scams. ✈️
- Double-check travel info from different sources.
- Don’t respond to unsolicited emails or texts.
- See Forbes’ article Solicited By A Travel Scam? to learn more.
🎄Gift Card Guard:
- One in four people has been hit by gift card scams. 🎁
- Watch out! Scammers tamper with gift cards on store shelves.
- Be on the safe side—buy gift cards from trusted online sources.
- This Motley Fool’s article details why you should not buy gift cards from the display rack.
🎄Prevent Package Grinches:
- Stop porch pirates in their tracks! 27% have had packages stolen. 📦
- Keep an eye on deliveries. Stolen packages mean more than property loss; they can contain receipts, invoices, customer numbers, or other information that can be exploited for further targeted attacks.
- See CNET’s article Stop Porch Pirates for more tips.
Wishing you a joyful and scam-free holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and good times with your loved ones. If you ever need more tips, feel free to reach out to us. Happy Holidays!
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