Avoid Scams When Buying Gifts Online

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A growing number of consumers each year buy their gifts for the holiday season online, whether it from online retailers such as Amazon or Overstock, or from individuals on Craigslist or NextDoor, millions of transactions occur online this time of year, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office wants to make sure people are being safe when conducting business online.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office recently received a complaint from a victim who had tried to purchase a puppy from an online sale site. According to the report, she wired the money to the seller to purchase the dog and later found out that the seller had used a false name and fake identity. The victim lost her money and never received the puppy she had attempted to purchase.

The Sheriff's Department issued the following safety tips:

• Never extend payment to anyone you have not met in person
• Beware of offers involving shipping- deal with locals you can meet in person
• Never wire money- anyone who asks you to is likely a scammer
• Do not accept cashier/certified checks or money orders- banks cash fakes and hold you responsible
• Never give out personal or financial info
• Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen- that amazing “deal” may not exist

Once the terms of the sale have been agreed upon, there are a few more tips to keep you safe:

• Meet in a public place, preferably one with cameras and people around
• Do not go to the meeting place alone. Take a trusted friend.
• Meet at a normal time. Meeting at 3:00 am to buy an item is not a good idea
• Only take the amount of money needed to complete the purchase.

Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images