Watch for Scams this Holiday Season

 

A scammer creates a fake listing on an online marketplace or lookalike website for a retailer you know. You buy the perfect gift for your loved one—and then you never receive it. After some time passes, you reach out to the seller with frustration only to find they’ve vanished.

 

 

Helpful tip: Before you make an online purchase, check the website for suspicious misspellings or low-quality images. Research customer reviews.

 

 

Gift cards are a popular present—and a favorite scammer tool because they’re difficult to trace. If a seller asks you to pay with a gift card, end the transaction immediately. And if you’re buying someone a gift card for the holidays, make sure it’s from a reputable place.

 

 

Helpful tip: Pay with a credit card whenever possible and check your statement regularly.

 

 

If you’re selling online, you might ship items but never receive payment. A scammer might send you a fake payment receipt so you’ll ship before getting paid. Also watch out if they ask to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or other non-traditional method.

 

 

Helpful tip: Wait until you’ve received payment before shipping. And proceed with caution if an offer on your item is too good to be true.