(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo Background)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and his Bureau of Consumer Protection are reminding Pennsylvanians that as the holiday season of giving is upon them, scammers are now in their prime season to pull off the opposite action of taking. If you are considering donations to your favorite charity this year, be observant and buy from a seller that is reputable, especially if you are doing that online. According to a release from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office, here are some tips that he and his office recommend to avoid scams while you are busy buying gifts and preparing meals this holiday season:
Stick with Trusted Retailers
Online deals may look tempting, but not all are legitimate. Scammers are able to create websites that look almost identical to legitimate ones. Oftentimes these fake websites are built to steal your personal and credit card information. Sometimes, these websites may show up as “sponsored results” on your preferred search engine. Just because a website is sponsored or shows up before another website, this does not ensure it is a legitimate website.
Be Smart About How You Pay
Attorney General Sunday strongly advises against paying for any services or items with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money orders. Scammers may also ask you to pay for items with a gift card that you normally would not be able to use a gift card for, such as paying bills, parking tickets, or other items. All of these are common tools that scammers use to avoid being tracked.
Read the Fine Print
Buy Now, Pay Later services may help manage big holiday purchases, but these services are not always as simple as they seem. Some of these services come with hidden fees or penalties if you miss a payment. Interest rates can vary dramatically on these buy now, pay later services. You should carefully read all of the terms and conditions before signing up for these services. Feel free to ask questions about the costs and fees before signing. If a vendor refuses or is reluctant to answer your questions, that may be a red flag.
Protect Your Personal Information
Scammers don’t just want your money – they want your identity, too. If a website or email asks you for your Social Security Number or bank account information, that’s a big red flag and you should immediately stop communicating with that person.
Be wary of any text messages or emails that appear to be from delivery services (such as USPS, UPS, or DHL), banks, or retailers that you did not request.
Look Out for Loved Ones
Scammers often target seniors, young people, and those who may not be as familiar with digital risks and online scams. Take a few minutes to share these tips with your loved ones to ensure they can keep their money and personal information safe this holiday season.
Pet-Related Scams
Considering a furry friend as a gift?
Be careful when adopting or purchasing a pet online, as some sellers use complex financing offers with high interest rates. Thoroughly research the seller, breeder, inspection records, and medical records.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Provision, which you can find more about by clicking here, ensures consumers buying a dog in Pennsylvania know that their new dog has a clean bill of health.
If you think you have been scammed or have encountered a suspicious seller, you are encouraged to report it to your local police. If you used a credit card, contact your credit card company right away to dispute the charge. Consumers who may have fallen victim to a scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online by clicking here, by calling 717-787-3391, or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.