Avoid Scams This Holiday Shopping Season: SF DA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — With the holiday shopping season about to get into full swing, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon today warned residents to be on the lookout for scams targeting consumers.

According to Gascon, during this time of the year online fraud is higher by 22 percent.

"Whether you're going to an online store or a brick and mortar store, during the point of sale is often the time when fraudulent activities occur," Gascon said. "We know that the scammers target everyone. It really doesn't matter what age group you come from, what your background is. We're
all subjects to being targeted."

But, Gascon said, some simple steps can help consumers avoid scams.

First, shoppers should refrain from using cash and debit cards and instead pay with credit cards. Gascon said credit cards offer more protections if fraud occurs.

Second, consumers should beware of taking out loans to pay credit card debt, as sometimes interest rates may be high or the loan offer may just be a way for scammers to get personal information.

Lastly, shoppers seeking deals on flights should use an abundance of caution when purchasing discount airfares on unfamiliar websites. "We have see a tremendous amount of scamming with people purchasing what appears to be really, too-good-to-be-true fares," Gascon said. "In fact, if it appears to be too good, it probably is and you should stay away from them."

Additionally, Gascon said, phone scams continue to pose a threat to consumers, with phone scams making up about 70 percent of all consumer fraud reports.

In 2017, $8.9 billion was lost through phone scams, according to Gascon.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of fraud can call the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center at (877) 382-4357 or the San Francisco District Attorney's consumer protection hotline at (415) 551-9595.

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— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock