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Tallahassee, FL
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Stay Wary of Holiday Scams this Season

Posted on 11/24/24 by Jeff Johnson

GettyImages-2065876274_RC
Digital Temptation, a message bubble Caught on a Cyber Hook, a speech cloud ensnared by a fishhook over a smartphone, symbolizing online scam
(Nadia Snopek)

As we kick off the holiday season, we are here for you with resources to help you stay vigilant of fraud! While we’re busy hunting for gifts and planning celebrations, scammers are gearing up to steal more than holiday cheer. AARP Florida is here to help you unwrap a safer, scam-free season so you can focus on what truly matters.

Common Signs of a Scam Include:

· Unsolicited Requests for Money or Info: Don’t give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you out of the blue, even if you recognize the number on your caller ID.

· Odd Payment Methods: Beware if asked to pay by cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift card, or apps like Zelle, Cash App, and Venmo.

· Links to Additional Info: Steer clear of links that are emailed or texted to you, even when it looks like it’s coming from a friend.

· Pressure to Act Immediately: Scammers create a sense of urgency, claiming you’ll miss a deal or face consequences if you don’t act fast. Legitimate businesses do not.

· Strange URLs: Avoid sites with usual domains like “.app” or “.bargain”; stick to “.com,” “.net,” or “.org.”

5 Popular Holiday-Related Scams:

1. Online Shopping Scams
2. Charity Fraud
3. Fake Orders & Delivery Scams
4. Gift Card Theft
5. Travel Scams

Look Out for These Red Flags:

· Shopping ads on social media that direct you to a company site that provides no method for filing a complaint or offers minimal details like contact information.

· Emails or texts instructing you to click on a link to track the delivery of a package.

· Gift cards on the rack that look like they’ve been opened or tampered with in some way.

· Anyone saying you’ve won a ”free vacation”, though you don’t recall entering any prize contests.

Protect Yourself with These Tips:

When shopping for seasonal deals, keep these safety tips in mind:

· Use a Credit Card for Purchases: Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards.

· Review Return and Refund Policies: Make sure the company has clear policies to protect your purchases made online.

· Don’t Answer the Phone: Answering unknown numbers or even calls that look like they’re coming from a company you know like Amazon opens you up to a possible scam and increases your chances of getting scam calls in the future.

· Visit Trusted Sites Directly: Be careful with search engines like Google, as scammers use them to display misleading links and contact info. Go directly to sites you know and trust.

· Avoid Clicking on Links: Even trusted contacts like friends can have their accounts hacked or spoofed. If you need to look into additional information like a package delivery status, go directly to the shipper’s website.

New Scam Alert: ‘Card Declined’ Scam

While paying with a credit card is the more secure option when buying online, you still need to keep an eye out for scams. The ‘card declined’ scam is a new ruse used by criminals to get you to make multiple payments for a single purchase. If you get an alert that your card has been declined during an online transaction, don’t rush to use a different credit card. Instead, check your original credit card to see whether you have any pending transaction from the seller.

Remember, staying informed is your best defense against fraud. This holiday season, AARP is here to support you every step of the way with trusted resources to help keep you and your loved ones safe. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, you’re not alone, and AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline is here to help. Please visit aarp.org/FLfraud to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.

This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the AARP Florida page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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