STAYING SAFE IN YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

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 time-consuming 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 S is 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 online shopping at Wi-Fi hotspots. Other computers close by my capture your data.

Fourth, if you make use of an auction website, beware of post-auction offers which arrive after you’ve lost a bid, where a seller may offer merchandise off-site. You no longer have the protection of the auction site itself and have no redress if your merchandise does not arrive.

As a fifth tip, 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.

Next, 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.

Also, don’t fall for a mailed postcard about an undeliverable package. If the courier has your address, why couldn’t they just deliver it? This scan baits you to call for details—where you could be tricked into making an expensive overseas call and/or revealing personal or financial information.

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 the gaining power over your finances. Every month I’ll be posting more tips to help you avoid money problems and achieve that financial power. But if you have questions about bankruptcy in the meantime you can always visit this website, clarkmiller.com, where you can access my library of back blogs on achieving financial success. Or you can call me at 831-424-1764. I’m hoping you don’t have to come see me, but if you do the first consultation is always free.