FBI San Diego Warns Shoppers Of Scammers During Holiday Season

SAN DIEGO, CA — The FBI's San Diego field office this week warned San Diegans to look out for scammers this holiday season.

San Diegans lost more than $2.6 million to scammers in 2022, including more than $320,000 during the holiday season alone, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

"Consumers looking for a good deal this holiday season need to be aware of aggressive and deceptive scams designed by criminals to steal money and personal information," the FBI's San Diego field office said in a news release.

Common scams include online shopping, social media and charity scams, according to the FBI. The FBI's San Diego field office shared these tips to help consumers protect themselves against scams:

• Check credit card statements routinely. If possible, set up credit card transaction auto alerts or check balances after every online purchase. It is important to check statements after the holiday season, as many fraudulent charges can show up even several weeks later.
• If purchasing merchandise, ensure it is from a reputable source.
• Ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing credit card numbers online. Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure. Be cognizant of webpage addresses that look similar to familiar sites but are slightly different. Ensure updated home security protocols are in place.
• Beware of purchases or services that require payment with a gift card or through quick payment transfer sites or apps.
• Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.
• Do not respond to unsolicited emails.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited email.
• Avoid filling out forms contained in email messages that ask for personal information.
• Be cautious of emails claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders and scan all attachments for viruses if possible.
• Verify requests for personal information from any business or financial institution by contacting them using the main contact information on their official website.
• Secure credit card accounts, even rewards account, with strong passwords. Change passwords and check accounts routinely.
• Only donate to known and trusted charities. Legitimate charities do not solicit donations via money transfer services or ask for donations via gift cards.
• Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to reputable charities. Most legitimate charity websites use .org, not .com.
• Follow the Federal Trade Commission's tips for online charity research.

According to the FBI, consumers who believe they are the victim of a scam should contact their financial institution immediately upon suspecting or discovering a fraudulent transfer. Consumers should also ask their bank to contact the financial institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent. Finally, consumers should contact law enforcement and file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.