Baker: Look Out for Scams, Fraud and Theft During the Holiday Season

HARRISBURG - With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it's more important than ever to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams, fraud and theft, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

"Too many Pennsylvanians fall victim to scams that drain their savings or steal their identities," Baker said. "I want every resident to know the warning signs and take steps now to safeguard themselves while shopping and celebrating this season."

Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices and fraudulent "cybersquatting" websites.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:

• Stick with trusted retailers - Online deals are tempting, but not all are legitimate. Watch out for bait-and-switch scams, where a retailer lures customers with a low price - but then substitutes for a product that either costs more or is less desirable. Also be alert for scammers, known as cybersquatters, who use fraudulent internet domains that look and sound like legitimate brands or stores to trick unsuspecting customers.
• Be smart about how you pay - Be especially careful when paying for services or items with wire transfers, cryptocurrency or money orders. Scammers may also ask for payment for things like bills, parking tickets, etc. via a gift card, which is a big red flag - a gift card is not a normal payment method for these items.
• Protect personal information - Do not give away your Social Security number or bank account information and be wary of emails and texts you didn't request, especially those which appear to be from delivery services, banks and retailers.
• Read the fine print - "Buy Now, Pay Later" services could have hidden fees or penalties in their agreements.
• Pet-related scams - Be careful when adopting or purchasing a pet online, as some sellers use complex financing offers with high interest rates.
• Look out for loved ones - Keep family members, especially seniors, informed about common scamming practices.

"Every holiday season brings a wave of scams, and we expect the same this year," Sunday said. "Stay vigilant - if a deal seems too good to be true, take a moment to verify and consult a trusted family member. If you encounter a scam, report it. A prompt report plays a crucial role in helping us crack down on scammers."

To better crack down on this rising issue, Sunday's office has set up a Scams Complaint Form residents can fill out should they encounter any scams.

The FBI also provides tips on how to avoid holiday scams and identify skimming devices, which are estimated to cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion per year.

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