While protecting your finances from thieves and hackers should be a priority 365 days a year, there are certain times when people are more susceptible to fraud and identity theft.
Here are some potential scams to look out for this time of the year:
Phishing Scams
During the holiday season, the twist on this scam may include thieves posing as shipping companies or online retailers, asking for personal information to resolve a shipping error. Their goal is to get personal information from people who are worried their online purchases won’t ship in time for the holidays. Another holiday flavor to this scam is individuals posing as a legitimate organization asking for charitable donations, hoping to capitalize on your holiday generosity.
Gift Card Scams
With this scam, thieves will go to retailers and find gift cards yet to be purchased. They write down the numbers to the cards and track them electronically until they are purchased. Once activated upon purchase, the scammer will drain the funds, leaving the gift card empty for its rightful owner. To avoid this scam, do not buy gift cards that are either damaged or do not have packaging.
Counterfeit Gifts
Another scam to avoid this year is the sale of counterfeit goods. If this year’s newest smartphone or gadget is being sold for a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is! To avoid this type of scam, do your research on how to identify authentic goods, or purchase these items directly from the manufacturers.
Fake Coupons
With everyone trying to save a little money on their Christmas shopping, coupons can be a handy resource. Unfortunately, there are scammers who set up websites that provide fake coupons in order to steal personal information. Be wary of websites offering coupons or discounts to third parties in exchange for personal information.