SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

December 8, 2019

HOLIDAY SCAMS

Scammers love holiday seasons. They know we’re busy, maybe a little stressed, and tend to be in a charitable frame of mind.

They will take advantage of our lack of focus as well as our desire to help those in need. It is their opportunity to steal our money or our personal information.

Things you should know:

• Scammers will set up fake websites or mobile apps that mimic those of known and trusted retailers, and offer items at a fraction of the usual cost. Their hope is you won’t notice the red flags (misspelled words, unencrypted websites, lack of information on returns, etc.), and you’ll jump to share your payment information.

•Scammers send fake emails from delivery services about packages being held pending delivery. The email directs you to click on a link that asks for your credit card or other personal information. Since many of us expect deliveries this time of year, it’s easy to catch us off guard.

•Fake charities:

Many legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Knowing this, Scammers make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets. They’re banking on our not taking the time to verify that what they are offering is a scam.

•Gift card racks:

Thieves can hit store gift card racks, scan the numbers off the cards, and then monitor them. As soon as the card is bought and activated, the scammers drain the funds. By the time your gift recipient tries to use the card, the money is long gone. 

What you can do:

•When shopping online or on a mobile app, make sure the retailer is who you think it is. And if a deal sounds too good to be true, it may indeed be a scam.

•Avoid the gift card rack and, instead, safely purchase gift cards directly from the store clerk or buy them online directly from the retailer.

•If you receive an email from a delivery company, closely review it — check the sender information, look for misspellings or other red flags.  Also, request delivery companies to require recipient signatures for deliveries to stop thieves from stealing packages from doorsteps.

•Before donating this holiday season, check the charity at charitynavigator.org or give.org, and make sure the charity will use your donations for good.   

When it comes to fighting fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. We have the power to defend ourselves and our loved ones from scams.

Attribution AARP