Holiday Scam Alert for 2023!

Tis the season for holiday scams! Check out this Holiday Scam Alert for 2023:

Be cautious if you are asked to purchase gift cards under the guise of payment for back taxes, services, or to help a loved one in trouble. Remember, government authorities do not accept gift cards as payments.

Do you want to see what’s on a QR code? Use your phone’s camera when scanning QR codes instead of downloading a QR reader app, which can have ads that lead to phishing websites. Avoid using unfamiliar apps.

Social media online ads with eye-catching sales are being created that impersonate a reputable store. The ad’s link will take you to a website that appears legitimate but will potentially steal your information.

Tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Be suspicious of unknown persons calling you. Phone scams aim to heighten your emotional state and create a false sense of urgency—from claiming you owe money to saying you’ve won a prize. Advanced techniques, such as AI technology to impersonate a family member’s voice, have also been used. Hang up and try to make contact directly with the entity or person they claim to be representing. Don’t provide any personal or financial information to scammers.
   
• Research a product before purchasing an item from a social media advertisement. See a great deal on vitamins while scrolling through your social media? If it seems too good to be true, there’s a chance it could be a scam. Consider learning more about the company first before buying the item. If you have made a purchase, check your statements for recurring charges.
   
• Going on a trip? Use trusted travel websites. Scammers will often create false websites to advertise for cheap travel. Use trusted travel agents or diligently research websites when booking travel.

Click here for more info from MAC about how to avoid scams.

Click here for up to date announcements on recent scams.