FBI Warns Shoppers: Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Season Scams
As the holiday shopping frenzy ramps up with Black Friday deals and online sales, the FBI is urging consumers to be extra cautious to avoid falling victim to fraud. The festive season, while filled with tempting discounts, also sees a spike in online scams targeting unsuspecting buyers and sellers.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has reported that scams such as non-delivery, non-payment, auction fraud, and gift card fraud cost consumers millions every year. In 2023 alone, non-payment and non-delivery scams resulted in losses exceeding $309 million, while credit card fraud added another $173 million in damages.
Scammers often take advantage of the busy shopping period to exploit vulnerabilities, leaving consumers with empty pockets and stolen personal information. The FBI offers critical advice to safeguard your holiday shopping experience and avoid falling for fraud.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
- Non-delivery Scams: Pay for items you never receive.
- Non-payment Scams: Sellers ship goods but don’t get paid.
- Auction Fraud: Misrepresented items bought on auction sites.
- Gift Card Fraud: Scammers demand payment via gift cards, stealing funds.
Essential Tips for Safe Online Shopping:
- Be Cybersecure: Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unverified attachments. These could lead to phishing or malware.
- Verify Sellers: Always check the website’s URL (look for “https”), and research any new sellers or companies for ratings and reviews.
- Watch Out for International Sellers: Be cautious with sellers claiming to be overseas for business or personal reasons.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid wiring money or paying with gift cards. Credit cards offer more fraud protection—monitor statements closely.
- Track Your Purchases: Always ask for tracking numbers, and for sellers, confirm shipping addresses match billing details.
By staying alert and following these security guidelines, shoppers can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable holiday shopping season without falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
