Tis The Season: Beware of The Scams
Gift card scams. Scam artists take advantage of gift cards by writing down or memorizing the serial numbers on the face of the card while the cards are still displayed in the store. When an unsuspecting consumer purchases and activates the card, the thief simply calls the card's customer service number, verifies it is active, and uses the memorized serial number to make online purchases. Sadly, it is often days or weeks before the legitimate buyer (that means you) learns that the card balance was drained by a thief.
To avoid thief's who drain gift card balances, ask the store clerk to provide them with a gift card from behind a counter or one that has not otherwise been accessible to the general thief who is standing around. Some gift cards have additional security measures, such as scratch off codes, so consumers should always verify that no one has tampered with a card or its packaging.
Online shopping schemes. Never respond to bulk e-mails that offer merchandise, travel deals or solicit charitable contributions. Crooks often set up Web sites that look like they sell products or collect money for charities when, in fact, all they do is collect credit card numbers, take the money and run. Always verify a Web site's security status before placing an order. Online shoppers also should consider using a credit card for online purchases. Paying by credit card often makes it easier for consumers to dispute unauthorized charges or undelivered products. Make sure the kids aren't answering emails during the holiday time. It's a great idea to change those passwords.
Bogus charities. Charitable giving is commendable, you should always ask questions before donating to a telephone or door-to-door solicitor: Does the solicitor have identification? How will contributions be used? You should independently check what they are told about the organization and make sure their gifts will count. Please verify an organization's legitimacy, contact www.give.org. This Web site is maintained by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to promote wise charitable giving. Consumers also should confirm the tax-exempt status of any organization before they reach for their wallets.
Credit repair scams. Online or in the classifieds, credit repair offers often guarantee consumers loans despite their poor credit ratings; all consumers have to do is pay an up front "processing fee." These offers are a form of advance fee fraud, steer clear of them. It is best if you need extra money over the holidays and who doesn't these days to visit your local lender in person.
Unsolicited offers. The best way to guard against scams and swindles is simple: Never respond to unsolicited offers. Never respond to spam e-mails sent by strangers or unfamiliar companies. At this time of year, I would not even respond to your bank or what looks like it might be your bank on- line. Respond in person or call the telephone number on your bank statement directly.
Also be skeptical of unsolicited telephone offers. Even if the caller claims to represent a trusted company or pitches an interesting offer, go ahead and hang up and call the well-known company directly using a number that appears in the local telephone directory. This simple precaution ensures that you are talking to an actual company representative.
Fraudulent offers also can arrive in the mail. As tempting as it sounds, especially at the holiday season, rest assured you did NOT win the Spanish lottery, the Irish Sweepstakes, the Canadian lottery, or any other foreign lottery just in time for the holidays. Be extremely wary of cashier's checks sent by people they do not know and should never provide their personal financial information to unfamiliar solicitors. If you belong to a church why not pass this information along to those elderly members of your congregation or have it posted someplace in plain view for other to access.
Con artists tend to spend money just as fast as they steal it, so money lost in these or similar scams is difficult to recover. Prevention is an important key to stopping thieves in their tracks. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by over spending your hard earned money, yourself.
