Community Corner

Outsmart the Grinch: Avoiding Holiday Scams Is Part of the Festive Season

The St. Louis Better Business Bureau gives tips on how to avoid being duped by con artists and other seasonal Grinches.

Shoppers are not the only busy folks during the holiday season. The season to be jolly and joyous also is the season for scammers, warn St. Louis Better Business Bureau officials.

Here are five common scams to watch out for throughout December:

1.    Online shopping scams

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When a website offers big ticket items or electronics at prices that are too good to be true (a $20 iPhone 2, really?) be suspicious. There could be hidden costs. 

The BBB advises:

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  • Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its web address should start with “https://.” There also may be a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right corner of the screen.
  • Shop secure sites. Look for the BBB seal on the site and click to confirm that it’s valid. New BBB dynamic seals will take you to a site’s BBB Business Review, or you can call the BBB at 314-645-3300 to confirm the company has a physical address and telephone number.
  • Pay with a credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute charges if you don’t receive the item. You also can dispute unauthorized charges.
  • Other ways to protect yourself online are listed on the BBB’s website.

2.    Snagging hot toys and gadgets online

If stores sell out, people turn to the Internet to pick up items, often at sites like Craigslist or eBay, and pay steeper prices. But some sellers take the money and run.

The BBB advises:

  • Never wire money as a payment.
  • When shopping on Craigslist, look for local sellers and conduct business in person. Bring a friend and meet in a public place to conduct the transaction.
  • When shopping auctions like eBay, research the sellers extensively. Don’t buy if the deal sounds too good to be true.

3.    Identity theft in stores

When you’re loaded down with purchases, identity thieves see opportunities to grab your wallet, debit or credit card, or look over your shoulder to copy down numbers.

The BBB advises:

  • Keep track of your wallet, debit and credit cards at all times.
  • Cover the keypad when entering PINs at the store or an ATM.
  • Make sure your debit and credit cards go back in your wallet after purchases.

4.    Fake charities

Charities and nonprofits receive more contributions during the holiday season than any other time of the year. But bogus charities also seek to cash in during the season of giving.

The BBB advises:

  • Resist demands for on-the-spot donations.
  • Research charities with the BBB. Up-to-date reports on local and national charities are at www.bbb.org/charity.

5.    Phishing emails

Hackers can get at personal information through phishing emails that download a virus or other malicious software on your computer. One recent hacker even claimed to be from the Better Business Bureau, and said the email concerned a customer complaint.

The BBB advises:

  • Beware of e-cards and messages pretending to be from UPS or FedEx with links to package tracking information.
  • Don’t click any links or open email attachments until you confirm they’re not malicious.
  • Email addresses that don’t match the company’s name, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing email.
  • Make sure you have firewalls installed and updated, current antivirus software.

For more advice on protecting yourself, see the St. Louis Better Business Bureau’s website or call 314 645-3300.


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