1. Be Cautious with Holiday Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often create fake websites or emails advertising steep discounts. Verify the seller’s authenticity before making a purchase.
2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails: Scammers use holiday-themed emails to trick you into clicking malicious links. Look for grammatical errors, suspicious links, or requests for personal information.
3. Only Shop on Secure Websites: Ensure websites have “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates a secure connection. You can also do an image search to ensure you aren’t buying a knock-off version.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Online Shopping: Public networks are vulnerable to hackers. Use a virtual private network (VPN) or wait until you’re on a secure, private connection.
5. Verify Charitable Donations: Scammers exploit holiday generosity by creating fake charities. Use websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to verify organizations before donating.
6. Beware of Gift Card Scams: Avoid purchasing gift cards from unauthorized sellers or sharing gift card numbers and PINs online. Scammers often ask for payment via gift cards.
7. Double-Check Package Delivery Notices: Fake delivery notifications claiming missed packages can lead to phishing websites. Check with the shipping company directly to verify details.
8. Protect Your Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online or over the phone, even if the request seems legitimate.
9. Use Credit Cards Over Debit Cards: Credit cards offer better fraud protection. Monitor your statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
10. Be Skeptical of Social Media Ads: Scammers often use targeted ads on social media to promote fake sales or products. Research the seller and read reviews before purchasing.
11. Set Up Fraud Alerts on Your Accounts: Many banks and credit card companies allow you to enable alerts for unusual activity. This can help catch fraudulent transactions early.
12. Educate Family Members: Scammers target vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. Share these tips with family members to help them stay vigilant.
13. Update Software and Passwords: Keep devices and apps updated with the latest security patches. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
14. Watch for Red Flags in Seasonal Job Offers: Scammers may post fake holiday job listings asking for upfront fees or sensitive information. Research the company before applying.
15. Report Scams Promptly: If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general’s office, or local law enforcement.
These precautions can help you and your loved ones stay safe and enjoy the holiday season without falling victim to scams.
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This Blog was written by the Harbour Business Law Team
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not offer nor substitute legal advice. This blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship and is not for advertising or solicitation purposes. Any of the content contained herein shall not be used to make any decision without first consulting an attorney. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision not to be based on advertisements or blogs. Harbour Business Law expressly disclaims any and all liability in regard to any actions, or lack thereof, based on any contents of this blog.
