Excerpt from the Advanced Fraud Solutions infographic "Watch Out for These Holiday Fraud Threats"
It’s no coincidence that the busiest season for shopping coincides with the highest period for fraud. Every day, fraudsters target consumers with an array of legitimate seeming propositions. But during the holidays, fraudsters make extra efforts to trick and defraud consumers. Here are the top three fraud threats coming this holiday season.
- Fake Retail Sites
Are you seeing a deal that’s too good to be true? That might be because it is. Fake retail sites are websites set up to look like real merchants (including well-known brands), but actually leads to a fraudster-held account. Fake retail sites have become especially popular in the ages of social media, where posts and accounts look legitimate but are not.
Watch out for domain names or website copy containing misspellings, a non-U.S. IP address, an unsecured URL, or a generally “off looking” site.
- Mystery Shopping
Everyone is looking to pick up a a little extra cash this time of year. Mystery shopping scams (or secret shopping scams) take advantage of that desire by luring victims into job opportunities where they “test” products and services but are first required to pay the employer for a fee or a license. In reality, the job doesn’t actually exist.
Watch out for shopping or dining-related job opportunities that require you to pay the employer first, wiring money to your employer or depositing a check into your bank account on their behalf.
- Charity Scams
Scammers are always finding new lows. Charity scams take advantage of our generosity. Fraudsters pose as a legitimate charitable organization and steal donation before they’re discovered.
Watch out for high-pressure pitches through phone, email, or in-person. Make sure when you donate, it is going to accredited charities.
Believe you’ve become a victim of identity theft? Notify your financial institution(s) and go to: www.ftc.gov/idtheft or call 877-438-4338 to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Information compiled by Advanced Fraud Solutions.
