Online shopping for the holidays is fast, easy, and convenient. Stores offer excellent opportunities for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas Doorbusters to help you locate the perfect gift for the Holiday season. However, there are times when deals are too good to be true. Avoid online scams this holiday season by being aware of the types of scams. Here’s what to watch for.
You don’t have to be a Grinch to protect yourself against scams, but you should treat pop-ups and unsolicited ads skeptically. Your online actions will expose you to more risk and could result in significant losses. Below are some of the top online scams that you should avoid.
- Shipping Scams
These scams start with a simple text message or email claiming to be UPS, FedEx, or even Amazon. The text or email will urge you to click a link due to a delivery issue. It offers you the ability to update your delivery or payment preference directly through the link.
Though the message may sound legitimate, it is attempting to gather vital information from you. Stop! Don’t click these links. Instead, directly contact the delivery service or seller using a verified number or website.
- Shopping Scams
More than a third of Americans have fallen victim to shopping scams, with many losing more than $300. These types of scams typically involve online scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers through the use of fake websites or ads on social media. These scammers offer luxury items at very low prices, too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Opt to shop with known retailers or retailers that you have researched. Know if you are dealing with a domestic or foreign entity and check to see if others have reported the shop for scams. - Charity Scams
These scammers impersonate or create fake charities with the intent to attack the spirit of giving. These scams originate in many forms, from emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, etc.
Be wary! Don’t click links or open email attachments from someone you don’t know. Most legitimate charity organizations’ websites use .org, not .com.
- Payment Scams
By 2023, estimated losses due to payment fraud are expected to surpass $48 billion. There are many different types of payment scams that can target anyone. The most common forms of payment fraud occur when someone steals another person’s payment information or tricks them into sharing this vital information in an unsecured format. Another form is when they refuse to allow you to pay with a credit card and requests to be paid in ways that can’t be revoked.
Never send money or give credit card details online. More importantly, DO NOT agree to transfer money or goods to someone else. This is money laundering, a criminal offense.
49th Street Bail Bonds wants you to be safe every day from online scammers. Scams are everywhere and target everyone. Knowing the types of scams can help to minimize the risk of falling into the scammers’ tricks.
Were you tricked into committing a crime like money laundering?
49th Street Bail Bonds wants to help you and your loved ones. Whether you were arrested for money laundering, DUI, theft, or any alternative charge, we can help. Call 727-592-0000 to start the bail bonds process.
We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to serve. While we are located in Pinellas County and happy to help those clients, we also can help those in Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, the greater Tampa Bay area, Bay Pines, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, and the surrounding areas.
We are the Bondsman on 49th Street, just south of the Pinellas County Jail. Specifically, we are located at 12211 49th Street North, Suite #2, in Clearwater, Florida.
Don’t go it alone! We are here to help! Contact us today!
Did you know we are also on Facebook? Check out our page today.
