Avoiding Scams–Staying Safe in your Christmas Shopping – Copy
Hello I I’m Salinas Bankruptcy lawyer Clark Miller with today’s Financial Focus Tip. I’m the only bankruptcy lawyer you’ll ever hear giving advice about how to avoid filing for bankruptcy.
You know, it seems like 2023 just started and here we are about to start shopping for Christmas.
With my financial tips over the past months hopefully the Yuletide Season won’t be a source of financial stress and worry for you. But there is something you still need to be concerned about: thieves and scam artists trying to get into your pocket book-something that could ruin the season for you. So here are some tips for avoiding a holiday fleecing when shopping on line.
First, avoid websites that lack clear terms and conditions. Before ordering, check the “contact us” page for a phone number and physical address and the “terms & conditions” link giving the store’s return policies. Bogus websites seldom provide full information and often are suspiciously worded. Many apps and websites by design make it difficult or timeconsuming to cancel your account. Beware!
Second, don’t buy gift cards from a rack-always use the staffed customer service counter or the store’s website. Fraudsters can peel off stickers to glean gift card codes and then replace them. Once purchased by an unsuspecting buyer that stolen code can be used by the thief to purchase merchandise-leaving you with a worthless card.
Third, always look for “https” in the address of any store’s website-that final Sis for “secure” and means that your credit card number and other information are protected. A site with merely “http” is not secure and should be avoided. And even if you’re using an https site, avoid on line shopping at Wi-Fi hotspots. Other computers close by my capture your data.
Fourth, always avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Steer clear of sellers with prices way too low or tied to hard luck stories-such as a divorce or military deployment. This is a common scam to get an advance payment-and you’ll likely get no merchandise.
Fifth, be extremely careful if FedEx, UPS, or the Post Office sends an email to you that they have an undeliverable package with a link for details. These emails can be phony, where the connecting link can install malware on your computer that can steal passwords and other confidential information. Make sure the website is legitimate before responding-even use the telephone if necessary.
In this season of giving, we must, sadly, be mindful about charity scams. Be suspicious of any email solicitation unless you have previously provided your address to the charity. Always be wary about donating cash, but if you do, always get a receipt. Once you have verified its legitimacy, of course, I encourage you to be as generous as you can.
Finally, always be wary of any site requiring a cash transfer for funding a payment. Fraudsters know that a cash transfer cannot later be traced or undone. If you must make a cash transfer, heed closely the warnings posted by the money transfer firm. They do not want their service to ruin your Holiday Season.
Remember, staying out of holiday scams is an important part of gaining power over your finances. But if you have questions about avoiding scams, or think you might need a bankruptcy, you can always access my full library of Financial Focus articles on this website. Or you can call me at 831-424-1764. Here’s hoping you don’t need to see me, but if you do the first consultation is always free. I’m Salinas Bankruptcy lawyer Clark Miller saying have a great Holiday Season!
