As the holiday shopping season approaches, beware of the growing variety of scammers. North Carolina’s attorney general says financial fraudsters are especially given to preying on older or otherwise vulnerable people this time of year.
Top 6 Scams & How to Protect Against Them
Buying the perfect gift for a loved one can be exciting, particularly when you’re staying within budget and putting limits on individual expenses. Just be on the lookout for these all-to-common types of fraud this season!
1. Gift Card Scams
Keep an eye out for anyone demanding that you pay via gift card. They may be impersonating a government official, tech support, or claiming you’ve won a prize. Similarly, be on the lookout for fake or used cards being sold online.
- Safety tip: Never pay anyone with a gift card or send gift card numbers, since the person making the request is very likely not legitimate.
Read about exchanging unwanted gift cards for cash, which can be done at a local CFSC.
2. Package Theft & Delivery Fraud
Sadly, there’s been an uptick in “porch pirates” – thieves who steal packages left on doorsteps. Others find ways to trick unsuspecting folks into revealing personal information, which can be used to commit identity theft or other types of fraud.
- Safety tip: While package tracking is helpful, consider using in-store pickup or having the item delivered to a more secure location. And don’t give out any information if your gut tells you something is off.
3. Online Shopping & Fake Retailers
Look out for fraudulent websites or social media ads. These are the ones that offer suspiciously deep discounts on popular products, which then never arrive or are counterfeit. Some will send fake shipping notifications to get you to click links that lead to malware or phishing sites.
- Safety tip: Be sure you’re shopping on secure, reputable websites (look for “https://” and the lock icon), and don’t click on links in questionable emails or texts. When in doubt, don’t click at all.
Discover these other safety tips before spending money online.
4. Imposter or Phishing Scams
Scammers like to impersonate government agencies, delivery companies, and even relatives in fake emergencies. Steer clear of anyone pressuring you into sending money or giving up personal information, in any context.
- Safety tip: You can always double-check by verifying the person’s identity through a more trusted method if you’re thinking of responding.
5. Charity and Donation Scams
There’s nothing more offensive than someone taking advantage of holiday generosity by setting up fake charities or misrepresenting real ones to steal donations. Yet it happens more than you might think.
- Safety tip: In this day and age, it pays to research charities before donating, the way you would look into a company. Run it by charity watchdogs and confirm the organization’s name and website are legit.
6. Seasonal Job or Travel Scams
Fake job listings are now a thing, and that includes ones for holiday work opportunities that ask job seekers for money to cover training or equipment. There are also false ads for nonexistent vacation deals.
- Safety tip: Requests for money upfront for a job or travel deal are always a big red flag, and to be avoided. As with all suspect financial situations, follow your hunch and double check.
CFSC Financial Services Protect Your Holiday Gift Money
Do you want safe ways to send or spend money, pay bills, and cash checks this season? CFSC Currency Exchanges have you covered with a variety of secure financial services:
- Money transfers
- Purchases made with prepaid YES! Debit cards
- Business and personal check cashing
- Electronic bill payment
Swing by one of our many locations for fast services on the spot – or reach out online to find out more!