By Police Officer Larry Jacobs
Here are some things to watch out for during the holidays and throughout the year. This information was provided by McAfee, a security and risk-management company, and the Better Business Bureau.
iPad scams
iPads were one of the hottest ticket items this holiday season. Unfortunately this gives scammers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of consumers. Many consumers were told they will receive a free iPad after purchasing additional products, when they never receive any of the items. Other consumers take a quiz to receive a free iPad and then unknowingly provide personal information that signs them up for services they never purchased.
BBB advice: Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Consumers should be extremely cautious of low prices on hard-to-get items.
Charity Scams
The holiday season is a time of giving. which gives scammers an opportunity to solicit donations for their own pockets.
BBB advice: Always research a charity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and check to verify a charity is registered with your state’s Department of Charities before you give.
Vacation Rentals
The holiday season is peak travel season as consumers visit family and friends. Scammers post fake rentals asking for consumers to wire money for deposits on listed properties. The property doesn’t exist and not only is the consumer out the money of the deposit, but they have nowhere to stay.
BBB advice: Never wire money to anyone you don’t know. Also, do your research on the property to make sure it exists. Ask for pictures and phone numbers of recent renters. If the price is extremely low, take this as a red flag and look for somewhere else to stay.
Phishing
It’s all the same thing- an attempt to get your personal information. Beware of any e-mails or text messages from banks or credit cards stating something is wrong with your account.
BBB advice: Financial institutions, credit cards, or retailers will never contact you asking for your personal information regarding your account. Delete the e-mails or text messages immediately. Directly contact the institution should you have concerns about your account. It’s important to note that you should not use the number listed in the text message or email. Use the phone number listed on the back of your card.
Hotel and Airport Wi-Fi
As many people travel during the holiday season, scammers are hacking into widely used Wi-Fi networks in airports and hotels in an attempt to steal personal information.
BBB Advice: Always make sure your computer has the most up–to-date antivirus software. Also make sure you use secure networks. If the Wi-Fi you are using is unsecure, do not check your bank balance or shop online.
Low Price Traps
Scammers are targeting consumers looking for hot ticket items by posting fake postings on auction sites and various websites.
BBB advice: If the deal sounds too good to be true, it typically is. Beware of places offering prices extremely lower than their competitors.
Grandparent Scam
… or ‘Help! I’ve Been Robbed’ or ‘Help, Grandma, I am in jail in Texas!’ Con artists scam grandparents and family members by stating they have been robbed and are in need of money. That wired money goes right into the scammers’ hands.
BBB advice: Never wire money to anyone you don’t know. Also, if you receive a call from a distressed family member, make sure you ask personal questions to verify their identity.
Dangerous Holiday Downloads
Scammers spread viruses through downloadable holiday screensavers and pictures.
BBB advice: Always make sure your computer is protected with the most up-to-date antivirus software. Also avoid downloading items from people you don’t know.
Officer Larry Jacobs is a crime prevention specialist with Crime Prevention Unit of the Sandy Springs Police Department. He can be reached at ljacobs@sandyspringsga.gov.