4 Holiday Scams to Avoid

I recently read this great article on Essence Magazine Online, about four Holiday Scams to avoid. If you are a computer crazy lady like I am and you do alot of webshopping this is a must read post.

Protect your wallet by watching for these tricks
By Tamara E. Holmes

During the holiday rush, “consumers are less likely to be careful,” says Audri Lanford, codirector of scambusters.org. Ten percent of adults say they’ve been victims of online fraud, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance. And the National Retail Federation says gift-card sales can soar to $24.81 billion during the holidays, putting shoppers at risk. To be safe this season, beware of these scams:

GIFT CARDS
How they work: A con artist buys a gift card, spends the balance, then sells the card online. When the recipient goes to cash in, the card has no monetary value.

To avoid being a victim: First, confirm the address and phone number of a seller, advises the Federal Trade Commission. And buy only from “a retailer you know and trust,” says Joseph LaRocca, vice-president of Loss Prevention with the National Retail Federation.

HOLIDAY E-GREETING CARD
How they work: A coworker e-mails you a greeting card attachment. Opening it downloads software onto your computer that hacks your files and makes your personal information vulnerable.

To avoid being a victim: Update your antivirus and antispyware software. Then instead of clicking on links or attachments, type the Web address of the greeting card site in a new browser window and enter your e-mail address to view your card, suggests Brian Trombley, product manager with security software provider McAfee.

Read the Complete article…

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