Q. What scams and fraudulent activity should consumers be aware of during the holidays?
A. This is the hustle and bustle time of the year. All indicators show that the retail landscape is heating up online and in stores, and criminals are capitalizing on this busy time of year by stepping up their efforts to get us to part with our money. Many of their scams are well-known. However, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to keep their guard up to protect themselves from season-specific criminal activity.
There are some types of fraud more prevalent at this time of year. Shoppers are using their credit cards often and are easily distracted. It becomes a potentially dangerous combination for consumers. Shoppers’ hands are full. They are bogged down in stores, malls and parking lots with packages, wallets and purses, and exposing their cash and credit cards in the checkout line. False advertising with “too good to be true” enticing Internet deals can also lead shoppers to take chances online.
Here are some of the holiday season scams in no particular order, but note that the IRS scam is urgent advice:
1. IRS telephone scam: This scam has reached unprecedented levels of activity. The critical message to consumers is that if someone calls claiming to be with the IRS, HANG UP the phone. This scheme to date has cost 225,000 consumers nationwide more than $11 million since October 2013. Most scams prey on greed; this scan preys on fear. Report this fraud activity to www.treasury.gov/tigta. You may also report it to 800-366-4484.