From gift cards to charities, don't get duped by scammers this holiday season

USA TODAY
With consumers expected to spend at least $717 billion this holiday season, it's also prime time for identify thieves and others to prey on shoppers.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for scammers.

With consumers expected to spend at least $717 billion this holiday season, it’s also prime time for identify thieves and others to prey on shoppers hurriedly clicking away to get gifts for everyone on their holiday lists.

Here are some tips for how to avoid being scammed:

• Fake shipping: You may get an email telling you a package is on the way, but be careful before you click. A false notification may contain a link or attachment that will take you to a site that will install malware on your tablet or laptop and gain access to your personal information. If you don’t remember making the purchase, don’t open it.

• Gift cards: They’re perfect when you don’t know what to get for that picky person on your list, and the National Retail Federation believe shoppers will spend more than $29 billion on gift cards this season. But there are scammers who visit stores and write down the number and pin on the back of a card. After they see it’s purchased, they head online and use up the balance. Check the card to see if it’s wrapping has been disturbed, or the pin revealed and if so put it back.

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• Fraudulent charities: Scammers may want to take advantage of the generosity that is on full display during the holidays. If you don’t recognize the charity, you can visit Gift.org to make sure it’s legitimate.

• Odd payment requests: Beware if a seller wants you to pay for what you buy with a gift card or wire transfer. A legitimate retailer wouldn’t request an alternate form of payment. And if you fall for that scheme, it’s unlikely you would be able to get that money back.

• E-cards: Nowadays, people often send their holiday greetings via email rather than through the post office. But don’t click on it if you don’t recognize the sender. It might be another phishing scam, aimed at getting you to provide more personal details.

Source: Better Business Bureau

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From gift cards to charities, don't get duped by scammers this holiday season