Boston Police Offer Tips in Spotting Holiday Scams
The Boston Police Department has offered tips to help residents identify and avoid holiday scams.
If you follow the official Facebook of the Boston Police Department, you may have noticed numerous “Community Alert” posts highlighting different types of scams. Here’s a breakdown of just some of the holiday scams you might encounter.
Shopping Scams
Boston PD notes, “The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns shoppers against an increase in fake websites or personal sellers offering discounts this holiday season … Scammers create bogus sites stealing photos and logos from legitimate businesses to obtains PII, credit card information or send shoppers a cheap counterfeit product.”
Other shopping scams include fake ads being posted on social media. In other words: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Temporary Holiday Jobs Scams
Those looking to make some extra cash this holiday season need to look out for this one. Boston PD says, “Scammers will advertise online temporary positions for holiday work by impersonating legitimate companies … Job seekers should be wary of big money for these positions and are advised to never work for a company before being hired.”
If you encounter a holiday job scam, you should report it to local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and/or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are popular year-round, but there is seemingly an increase in them during the holidays. Typically, they’re found in emails where a scammer is posing as a real retailer. A good way to detect a phishing email is to check it for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Double-checking the email address that sent the email may also reveal that that free gift card offer is really fraudulent. Also, avoid clicking any links in these emails.
Like the holiday job scam, it’s advised to report phishing emails to local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and/or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Missed Delivery Scams
Missed delivery scams can be found in your email inbox, but they often show up via text message, too. As with phishing emails, do not click any links in these missed delivery scam emails/texts. If you’re not expecting a package, then those messages are likely scams that should be reported to local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and/or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Gift Card Scams
Gift card scams have grown in popularity in recent years. Per Boston PD, “Scammers will instruct victims to purchase cards then send them the serial number and PIN on the back. Scammers will also scratch the film strip off the back to get the PIN; cover it with a replacement sticker; then, wait for a victim to load it.”
Charity Scams
Sadly, charity scams are also popular around the holidays, when people tend to be in a giving mood. Boston PD says, “Scammers will use familiar-sounding names or impersonate reputable charities. Those looking to donate to charities this season should first verify the organization by using: BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or Guide Star.”
Grandparent Scams
This is another heartbreaking type of scam that preys on seniors. Boston PD notes, “Scammers will text, email, or call elders impersonating a family member in trouble or claiming to represent said family member in trouble (i.e. lawyer). These scammers will then demand money, via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gold bars.”
Puppy Scams
Yes, there are even puppy scams out there! These scams involve fake online ads offering furry friends for sale. Boston PD advises, ” … Individuals should conduct a reverse image search for other ads. Do research on a fair price for the breed and never purchase a pet before seeing them in person.”
