As the holiday season approaches, authorities are warning consumers to be cautious of scams that often surge during this time. Here are the top 5 scams to watch out for:
Charity Fraud:
Be sure to check if a charity is registered with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Research charities and review their financial reports to ensure your donations go where you intend.
Top Scams to Avoid:
1. Package Delivery Scams: Be suspicious of unsolicited texts or emails about delivery issues, and never give out personal info in response.
2. Phishing and Smishing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts, and be wary of personalized scams targeting specific individuals.
3. Online Shopping Scams:
* Shop on secure websites with “https” and a padlock icon.
* Avoid public Wi-Fi when shopping online.
* Update security software and use strong passwords.
4. Identity Theft: Monitor financial accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions, and protect sensitive information from being shared online.
To stay safe this holiday season:
– Research charities before donating
– Verify website addresses to avoid fake sites
– Don’t give in to telemarketers’ pressure
– Keep personal info private
For more information, visit the official websites of the California Attorney General’s Office, the IRS, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/dont-fall-for-these-top-5-holiday-scams