Fraud Persists in the Season of Giving

Package Scams

• Scammers continue to bombard us with fake texts about package deliveries, often claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx.
• These messages say there’s a problem with your delivery—such as a wrong address, insufficient postage, or nobody being home to receive it—and urge you to click a link to resolve the issue. In many cases, the links and websites closely mimic the legitimate businesses.
• That’s why it’s best to avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, even if the sender appears familiar. Instead, go directly to the shipping company’s official website or app, or contact them using a verified phone number found on their site.

Gift Card Scams

• A whopping one-third of consumers report either giving or receiving a gift card that has no value on. Some criminals tamper with cards on store racks, while others use electronic tools to detect newly activated cards online and drain the funds.
• When possible, consider purchasing gift cards directly from the retailer’s website, hold onto the receipt, and register the card if that option is available. Using gift cards soon after purchasing them can also improve odds that you’ll get to spend the balance before a criminal can.