As the holiday shopping season begins in earnest, shoppers and donors should stay vigilant against scams designed to steal money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that common schemes can often be avoided by exercising caution with social media ads, unsolicited messages, and unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Some of the most common scams are on social media, such as advertisements for fraudulent products that never arrive or social media gift exchanges that resemble pyramid schemes. There are also many smartphone apps that may be worrisome, like apps for tracking Santa or holiday games that may collect personal data or contain malware. Be wary of emails or pop-ups promising free gift cards, which are often phishing attempts. Too-good-to-be-true seasonal jobs may target job seekers’ personal information. Many scammers prey on the giving spirit during the holiday season by soliciting donations for fake charities, so be sure to confirm where your money is going before sending it. Learn more about common holiday scams by following the link included below.
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