Christmas 2016 Top 11 Scams of the Year: Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is keeping a list, and it’s reserved for those who have been naughty and should get a lump of coal for Christmas this year.

They range from standard attempts to steal your identity through online purchases — the advent of credit and debit card chip readers has cut down on fraud at retailers, but has moved the activity online — to malware-infected e-cards to fake websites and shipping notifications.
Here, from the BBB, are the top holiday scams of the year:

1. Be cautious when shopping online: Thanks to the introduction of chip card readers, your chances of falling victim to fraud are greatly reduced at traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers. Identity thieves haven’t gone away, though. They’ve moved online. What should you do? Use only your credit (not debit) cards online and shop only at secure websites. How do you know? Look for https in the address (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and for a lock symbol.

2. Look-alike websites: Like fake news sites, fake shopping websites are also on the rise. When shopping online, make sure to use only legitimate websites. How do you know: Scammers use URLs that cleverly contain the names of well-known brands, but contain extra words.

3. Fake shipping notifications: Be cautious before you open notifications online. They can have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on your computer to steal your identity and your passwords. “Don’t be fooled by a holiday phishing scam,” the BBB advises.

4. E-cards: Before you dance with joy about getting one of these cards, exercise some healthy skepticism. These can also contain viruses. How do you know? The sender’s name is not apparent, and you are required to share additional information to get the card.

5. Letters from Santa: Several trusted companies do offer personalized letters from Santa, so check with the BBB to find those that are legitimate. Scammers are clever when it comes to mimicking them and they’re after personal information from unsuspecting parents who want to preserve their children’s belief in Santa another season.

6. Emergency scam: This scam is prevalent throughout the year, and you should approach with skepticism any call from a family member or friend who claims to have been in an accident, arrested or hospitalized while traveling in another country. Never send money unless you confirm with another family member that it’s true; if it’s not, notify police.

7. Phony charities: Sure, you want to help out those in need, and scammers are ready to take advantage of your generosity. How do you know? If you get a solicitations in email, on social media sites, by text or some other means, check out charities at give.org before donating.

8. Temporary holiday jobs: If you’re looking to extend your holiday cash with a temporary job, you may be able to land a last-minute job at a retailer and delivery service, but reputable companies will never ask you to share personal information online or pay for a job lead. What should you do? Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites to find out who is hiring.

9. Unusual forms of payment: Be skeptical of anyone who asks you to pay for holiday purchases using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers or third parties. It doesn't work this way, and if you fall for it, you’re probably out the money you paid because the transactions can’t be traced or canceled.

10. Free gift cards: Free money? No. “Pop-up ads or emails offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to get your personal information that can later be used for identity theft, the BBB says.

11. Social media gift exchange: Don’t fall for it. It sounds like a great idea to buy a gift and get 36 in return. It’s a variation of a pyramid scheme. It’s also illegal.

To find out what scams are most prevalent in your area, go to the BBB Scam Tracker.

Photo by Johnn via Flickr Commons