Don't Get Scammed!

Posted: December 19, 2023, 3:17PM

We are generous and especially so during the holiday season. Scammers count on this.

If you're shopping online, make sure you are shopping from a legitimate site and not a counterfeit website. Look at the logo. Check the URL. Be careful about sharing your personal information.

Buying gift cards for Christmas? Beware of gift card draining. Make sure that the number and PIN are securely hidden. Check for an added bar code sticker. Maker sure the packaging is secure. Scammers will take the numbers and when you purchase the card, they have the activation codes. A 2022 AARP survey found that 1:4 people have been given gift cards with no funds.

Do you contribute to charities during the holiday season? Make sure the charity is real. Go to Charity Navigator or Guide Star to check on the charity.

We receive solicitations by phone, by mail, and by email. Don't feel pressured to respond. Charities will welcome your donation any time. Don't give personal information. Ask them to send you information by snail mail and tell them you do not do online donations.

Be careful. Scammers are not in this to make your season joyous!

Stay safe. Happy Holidays!