Watch out for holiday scams

By Staff  

DECEMBER 13, 2010 8:10 a.m. (0)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and everywhere we go crooks are lurking to play Scrooge by trotting out tried and true scams.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said holiday shoppers and donors should be on the lookout for five common scams this season.

“While the rest of us are pulling the decorations out of the attic, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Kathy Barrett, BBB President. “We can all help make these holiday scams a ghost of Christmas’ past by not falling for them anymore.”

Here are the BBB’s recommendations:

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is just that. Online sites that offer electronics or luxury goods at incredible prices often cost consumers far more than any savings. Look for the BBB seal when shopping online and be sure to click on the seal to confirm it is legitimate. Also check with the bureau on a business’s reputation.

Finding the hottest toys and gadgets online can burn you if dealing with an online seller who just happens to have what you’re looking for. Problem is often these people take your money and run. The BBB recommends shopping locally on Craigslist and then conduct the transaction in person. Never wire a payment.

Be careful at the mall and don’t loose track of your wallet. Scammers prey on overburdened shoppers who get careless. Keep track of your credit and debit cards at all times and cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your pin number.

Particularly now, on the tail of the great recession, scammers soliciting donations for the less fortunate are really only benefiting themselves. Be wary of solicitations from charities until you’ve had a chance to check it out with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Don’t get phished. Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to steal personal information or break into your computer. Beware of e-cards and even messages that purport to be from reputable companies. Don’t click on any attachments to emails until you have confirmed they are not malicious. If the email looks fishy, delete it. Also make sure your security software is up to date.

For more tips see www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/