The Twelve Scams of Christmas!

The Twelve Scams of Christmas

Here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey, we get our fair share of suspicious activity including emails asking us to click on questionable links, and scam phone calls trying to get donations. I’ve even had one of our more senior storage space customers tell me about an email that she had received regarding the estate of a distant, unknown relative, who had passed away in another country. The scammer was requesting that she send money in order to get the funds out of Africa. Thank goodness she didn’t fall for it!

It definitely seems like the scammers increase their activity around the holiday season, probably because most people are in more of a giving mood than usual? I checked with the Better Business Bureau, and found out that my suspicions were correct – More scams are reported during the holiday season than any other time of year!

The Better Business Bureau has some interesting facts about holiday shopping scams. Here are their “Twelve Scams of Christmas”!

1. Mystery Shopper scams: The most common are text messages enticing people to sign up to become a part-time mystery shopper for say $400 or more per gig. It may be tempting to earn some extra cash this time of year, but it’s actually a scam looking for financial and bank information.
2. Social Media Gift Exchanges: Has someone on social media asked you to take part in a Christmas gift exchange that will result in you getting 36 gifts? While it may sound good, promptly decline. It’s a pyramid scam, which is illegal.
3. Pet scams: It’s a popular gift, but be careful about buying a pet online. Puppy mills and fake pedigrees are common. Make sure breeders are reputable or you may end up with a sick animal.
4. Malware Holiday e-cards: Most people are aware of the dangers of clicking on url links to malware in the email they receive, but the scams are still out there, so beware.
5. Stranded grandkids: If a grandchild or other relative, who is ‘stranded’ or in ‘trouble’ in another country, sends an email looking for money, double check with family first, no matter how urgent it seems. This is a scam that has taken unsuspecting relatives for thousands of dollars!
6. Pickpockets: They usually strike when you’re not paying attention. Keep your purse or wallet secure when shopping. Don’t get overburdened or put shopping bags down.

7. Stolen gift cards: Buy gift cards from reputable dealers or in store, not online or from individuals. Scammers sell the card, then remove the funds before you hand over the gift.
8. Santa scammers: Double check on websites that offer to send your child a letter from Santa. This may be a scam looking for personal information.
9. Fake charities: Charities are active during the Christmas season, but be wary of charities that seem suspect. Do your homework before you give.
10. Online ads for hot toys and gadgets: Scammers prey on parents desperate for the latest toy their child is asking for from Santa and might be tempted to buy them online. Never make a purchases unless you see the https:// in front of the website’s domain name. If there’s no contact information for the seller you may want to avoid the purchase. They may ask for payment by wire or money card which is another red flag. If you’re not sure how reputable the company is, try calling the vendor and speak to customer service to feel them out. Search for reviews of the company online. Try Googling the company name followed by the word “scam” to see if any results show up.
11. Travel scams: Be cautious when booking through online ads for a last-minute getaway. Ask for references and never hand over money to someone you haven’t checked out first.
12. Romance scams: It’s tough to be alone during the holidays, but if your new online love starts asking for money, especially early on, and definitely if you haven’t even met yet… run! They aren’t who they claim to be.
Hopefully these tips will help you to be a smart Santa this holiday season – Happy Holidays from The Storage Inn of Egg Harbor Township NJ and The Storage Inn II in Ocean City New Jersey!

To find out more about scams in your area, or to report a scam visit the BBB’s Scam Tracker.