Warning: Holiday scam is targeting our area

BBB says consumers could be duped into giving credit card information

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida is issuing a warning about a holiday scam that is now targeting our area. Because consumers are gearing up for the holidays and ordering gifts, this scam is easy to fall for.

Here's how the BBB says this scam works: You receive a shipping notification for goods that you did not order, then you receive a follow-up phone call requesting your credit card information so the shipping company can release the merchandise to you.

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The BBB says don't fall for it. There is no merchandise, and once you hand over your credit card information, the scam artists have free reign of your credit card until you realize you've been duped. The BBB has received phone calls from local consumers and is asking you to share this warning with friends and family so they don't fall victim.  

TRACK: Scams in our area

Unfortunately, this isn't the only holiday scam out there. The most common the BBB sees this time of year include:

Online shopping: Because many retailers now have chip card readers, fraud at bricks-and-mortar stores is down, so scammers have shifted their efforts online. Use a credit (not debit) card online and only shop on secure websites. Look for https in the address (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and for a lock symbol.

Look-alike websites: When shopping online, make sure to use only legitimate websites. Watch out for URLs that use the names of well-known brands along with extra words.

Fake shipping notifications: These can have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on your computer to steal your identity and your passwords. Don’t be fooled by a holiday phishing scam.

E-cards: Electronic cards can be great fun, but be careful. Two red flags to watch out for are: the sender’s name is not apparent; you are required to share additional information to get the card.

Letters from Santa: Several trusted companies offer charming and personalized letters from Santa, but scammers mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents. Check with bbb.org to find out which ones are legitimate.

Emergency scam: Be cautious if you get a call from a family member or friend claiming to be in an accident, arrested, or hospitalized while traveling in another country. Never send money unless you confirm with another family member that it’s true.

Phony charities: Everyone is in a generous mood at the holidays, so scammers take advantage of that with fake charity solicitations in email, on social media sites, and even by text. Check out charities at give.org before donating.

Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers and delivery services need extra help at the holidays, but beware of solicitations that require you to share personal information online or pay for a job lead. Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites to find out who is hiring.

Unusual forms of payment: Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for holiday purchases using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These payments cannot be traced and cannot be undone. Free gift cards: Pop-up ads or email offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to get your personal information that can later be used for identity theft.

Social media gift exchange: It sounds like a great deal; buy one gift and get 36 in return. But it’s just a variation on a pyramid scheme and it’s illegal.

You can track and report scams on the BBB website here. You can also report a scam by calling the BBB where you live:

Jacksonville area: (904) 721-2288
Gainesville area: (352) 378-0406
Savannah area: (912) 354-7521