HARRISBURG — The holiday season is a time for giving, gathering, and goodwill — but for scammers, it’s prime season for taking.
While families across Pennsylvania are planning meals, wrapping gifts, and hunting for the best deals on the latest items, bad actors are just as busy, looking to cash in on distracted shoppers, tight budgets, and generous hearts.
Attorney General Dave Sunday and his Bureau of Consumer Protection are warning Pennsylvanians to be vigilant this year when considering donations. Be sure you are buying from a reputable seller, especially online.
“Do not let the bustle of the holiday season bring your guard down — scammers see this time of year as prime time to steal and defraud,” Attorney General Sunday said. “If you find yourself in a situation where things don’t seem quite right, or too good to be true, stop and think it over before clicking pay.”
WATCH: A video message from Attorney General Dave Sunday
Whether you’re shopping for your loved ones or donating to a cause close to your heart, Attorney General Sunday and his office are offering the following tips:
Stick with Trusted Retailers
Online deals may look tempting, but not all are legitimate. Scammers are able to create websites that look almost identical to legitimate ones. Oftentimes these fake websites are built to steal your personal and credit card information. Sometimes, these websites may show up as “sponsored results” on your preferred search engine. Just because a website is sponsored or shows up before another website, this does not ensure it is a legitimate website.
Be Smart About How You Pay
Attorney General Sunday strongly advises against paying for any services or items with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money orders. Scammers may also ask you to pay for items with a gift card that you normally would not be able to use a gift card for, such as paying bills, parking tickets, or other items. All of these are common tools that scammers use to avoid being tracked.
Read the Fine Print
Buy Now, Pay Later services may help manage big holiday purchases, but these services are not always as simple as they seem. Some of these services come with hidden fees or penalties if you miss a payment. Interest rates can vary dramatically on these buy now, pay later services. You should carefully read all of the terms and conditions before signing up for these services. Feel free to ask questions about the costs and fees before signing. If a vendor refuses or is reluctant to answer your questions, that may be a red flag.
Protect Your Personal Information
Scammers don’t just want your money – they want your identity, too. If a website or email asks you for your Social Security Number or bank account information, that’s a big red flag and you should immediately stop communicating with that person.
Be wary of any text messages or emails that appear to be from delivery services (such as USPS, UPS, or DHL), banks, or retailers that you did not request.
Look Out for Loved Ones
Scammers often target seniors, young people, and those who may not be as familiar with digital risks and online scams. Take a few minutes to share these tips with your loved ones to ensure they can keep their money and personal information safe this holiday season.
Pet-Related Scams
Considering a furry friend as a gift?
Be careful when adopting or purchasing a pet online, as some sellers use complex financing offers with high interest rates. Thoroughly research the seller, breeder, inspection records, and medical records.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Provision ensures consumers buying a dog in Pennsylvania know that their new dog has a clean bill of health.
If you think you have been scammed or have encountered a suspicious seller, you are encouraged to report it to your local police. If you used a credit card, contact your credit card company right away to dispute the charge. Consumers who may have fallen victim to a scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by calling 717-787-3391, or by emailing sc***@*************al.gov.
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