Beware of Common Holiday Scams: FBI Issues Warning to Shoppers

Protect Yourself This Shopping Season

MIAMI (WSVN) – As the holiday season approaches, the FBI’s Miami Field Office is sounding the alarm on common scams that target personal information and finances, urging shoppers to stay vigilant in 2024. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-delivery and non-payment schemes resulted in over $92 million in losses last holiday season.

Special Agent Jeffrey B. Veltri emphasized the importance of remaining aware and safeguarding against criminals seeking to exploit the festive season for financial gain. “Be on the lookout for these schemes,” he warned. “If it seems ‘too good to be true,’ it probably is. Do your part to avoid the scammers and enjoy the holidays.”

Scams to Watch Out For

The FBI highlighted several common scams that shoppers should be wary of during the holiday season:

– Online shopping scams: Scammers lure victims with enticing deals through phishing emails or advertisements.
– Social media scams: Fraudsters create fake social media sites offering fake vouchers or gift cards, leading users to complete surveys to steal personal information.
– Smartphone app scams: Scammers create mobile apps disguised as free games to steal personal data.
– Work-from-home scams: Criminals use websites and social media posts promising easy work-from-home opportunities, often with fraudulent intentions.
– Gift card scams: Victims receive spoofed emails, calls, or texts asking them to purchase multiple gift cards for various reasons.
– Charity scams: Fraudsters set up false charities to profit from unsuspecting donors.

Protect Yourself

To stay safe while shopping this holiday season, the FBI advises consumers to research retailers, use secure payment methods, and closely monitor shipping details. For more information on how to protect yourself from holiday scams, visit www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.

Remember, a little caution can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable shopping experience this holiday season. Stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy the festivities without falling victim to scammers. Let’s make this holiday season a time of joy and celebration, not a time of financial loss and frustration.