Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
The lingering pandemic is forcing many of us to look for unique ways to celebrate the holidays this year. Zoom calls will replace large family gatherings, and many gifts will be purchased online. Unfortunately, the holidays are also a prime time for scams. Here are scams that show up around this time of year, and advice on how to avoid them.
Charity or Shopping Scams
Your e-mail inbox is a perfect place for scammers to attempt to fleece you of your hard-earned money. Be alert for emails asking for donations to charitable organizations, or those offering unbelievable discounts on high-priced items such as electronics. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. One way to check the legitimacy of an email link is to hover over it and check the destination URL. If it does not match the organization’s actual URL, it is a scam.
Phishing E-Mails
Scammers use this time of year to send out fake emails regarding deliveries by disguising their sites as legitimate ones such as UPS or FedEx. If you are not expecting a delivery and receive one of these emails, do not click on the link. Call the customer service line for the delivery service to see if the delivery notification is legitimate.
Online Ads
While most online ads are legitimate, scammers are pros at making a fake ad look real. These sites will take your money and never deliver your product or use the information you provide to steal your identity. Instead of clicking on that ad, go to the retailer’s website and search for the item you want to purchase. To protect yourself further, use a credit card instead of a debit card to pay.
The holidays are a wonderful time to spread love and joy, and by following these tips, you can feel confident as you shop. If you feel that you have fallen victim to a scam, please contact the offices of Conley Griggs Partin to schedule a consultation.
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