While this may be the season of giving, for scammers it is a season of opportunity. Shoppers looking for a good deal this holiday season should be aware of increasingly aggressive and unorthodox scams designed by criminals to steal money and personal information.
The FBI is warning shoppers against several scams that have already cost residents of Western Pennsylvania $1.3 million in losses this year.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said shoppers should be vigilant. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers frequently prey on Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargain hunters by advertising “One-Day Only” promotions from recognized brands. Using familiar websites and being cautious of payment red flags can help shoppers to enjoy a scam-free holiday season.
Scammers will also use phone calls, email campaigns, and fake websites to solicit on behalf of fraudulent charities. Be cautious of sellers and websites that demand payment solely through gift cards, the FBI said.
Never giving out personal information to anyone unknown, checking bank and credit card statements routing and securing online financial accounts with strong passwords are all steps to avoid holiday fraud schemes.
Western PA and West Virginia shoppers who suspect they’ve been victimized should immediately contact their financial institution, then call their local law enforcement agency or FBI Pittsburgh at (412) 432-4000. Victims of holiday scams are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
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