Stay Safe This Holiday Season: How to Avoid Scams

Episode Summary:

In this holiday-themed episode of Law Days and Lattes, host Sidney Wheelan tackles the unfortunate rise of scams during the festive season. From fake online stores to phishing texts, Sidney outlines the most common scams, the red flags to watch out for, and practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re shopping online or donating to a charity, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep your holidays scam-free.

Key Takeaways:

Segment 1: Common Holiday Scams

• Fake Online Stores: Look out for websites that mimic legitimate retailers but never deliver goods or steal your payment information.
• Gift Card Scams: Be cautious of requests to pay with gift cards or secondhand gift card purchases.
• Charity Scams: Verify charities before donating to avoid fake organizations.
• Delivery Scams: Don’t fall for phishing texts or emails about missed package deliveries.
• Social Media Scams: Beware of too-good-to-be-true sales, giveaways, or contests.
• Romance or Family Scams: Watch out for scammers posing as distant relatives or love interests in need of emergency funds.

Segment 2: Red Flags to Watch For

• High-pressure tactics and unusual payment methods.
• Deals that seem too good to be true.
• Suspicious links or attachments.
• Poor grammar or design in emails/websites.
• Requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details.

Segment 3: Practical Tips to Protect Yourself

Shop Smart Online:

• Use trusted retailers with HTTPS in the URL.
• Prefer credit cards over debit cards for better fraud protection.
• Verify Charities:
• Research charities via platforms like Charity Navigator.
• Avoid cash or gift card donations.
• Protect Personal Information:
• Avoid unsolicited links and use strong, unique passwords.
• Stay Vigilant with Gift Cards:
• Buy directly from stores and never share card numbers over the phone.
• Be Cautious with Emails/Texts:
• Verify delivery notifications on official carrier websites.
• Monitor Your Accounts:
• Set up transaction alerts and check statements regularly.
• Educate Loved Ones:
• Discuss scams with teenagers and seniors.
• Set up a family password for emergencies.

Segment 4: What to Do If You’re Scammed

Stop Payment:

• Contact your credit card issuer or gift card provider immediately.
• Report the Scam:
• File complaints with the FTC and notify local law enforcement.
• Protect Your Accounts:
• Update passwords and consider a credit freeze.
• Educate Others:
• Share your experience to help others stay safe.

Closing Message:

The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from scams and focus on what truly matters. If you found this episode helpful, share it with your loved ones. Together, we can stop scams in their tracks.

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This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law.  This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.