Staying Fit
This holiday season, you better watch out for more than just Santa. During the busy shopping rush in November and December, Americans are expected to spend more than $117 billion, a projected $12 billion bump from last year. The only ones celebrating the ongoing national spending spree more than retailers are the scammers lurking in the shadows and aiming to steal away even more money from unsuspecting customers.
AARP fraud expert Doug Shadel appeared on The Dr. Phil Show to break down the various holiday scams to watch for this shopping season and give advice on how to be a safer shopper, online or in store. Shadel, AARP’s Washington state director, will also warn consumers about the dangers of using public wi-fi networks to make purchases, especially at this time of year, and offer tips on keeping your financial information safe and secure.
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To learn more about how to shop safely online all year long, visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The site offers an interactive scam-tracking tool that maps cons and scammers around the country in real time, as well as a search tool to discover any scams reported in your area. You can also report a scam if you think you’ve been victimized.
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