Four Holiday Scams to Watch For

 The following information is from Kurt "CyberGuy Knutsson tech journalist.

The holidays provide prime opportunity for scammers to catch you off guard.  Here are four common ways you can become a victim this holiday season.

1.  Package Delivery Scams

Most people are expecting and anticipating the arrival of packages coming from different delivery services.  So if you receive a text message that mentions package delivery, you may easily fall for a scam.  Some messages may state that your package is stuck at the sorting center and you need to update your address and then the message provides a link to click on.  Some red flags to watch for in these texts:

    - Red Flag1:  The link does not lead to an official site it's a fake link where a scammer uses a domain that looks close to a real site but is not.  Scammers also often make typos or use poor grammar when communicating.

    -Red Flag 2:  Scammers are sending emails, texts, and phone calls regarding a issue with package delivery.  You may be asked to pay a "shipping fee" to get your package.  Use protection:  Be sure to always have goo antivirus protection running on your devices to prevent any disaster from happening if you were to click on a malicious link.

How to Avoid Package Delivery Scams:

The best way to check on the status of a package is to go to the original confirmation you received about shipping.  If you received an email, that email provides the order number and you should be able to look up the status of your order directly on any website.

2.  Charity Scams

These scams aren't new but are more prevalent during the holiday.  Scammers are hoping you feel more generous.  Scammers may create fake names of organizations to get you to donate money or they may reach out by phone, email, or text.  Social media has become a place for charities to reach out so scammers may try and pose as fake charities on social media.  

How to Avoid Charity Scams

-Never give money to anyone who approaches you without doing your own independent research.  If it's real you should be able to donate on an official website.

- Always double check the name of the organization.  Scammers will slightly alter the name of known organization to trick you into donating.

3. Social Media Gift Exchange Scam

The Better Business Bureau is warning about a gift exchange scam and a new twist that is occurring this season.  It's an online version of the "Secret Santa" gift exchange.  These are actually pyramid schemes.  Someone asks you to select a random person and send them a gift another asks you to exchange bottles of wine.  While it seems fun and lighthearted, you don't know who is on the receiving end.   You are supposed to receive multiple gifts in return which may not materialize.

How to Avoid Gift Exchange Scams

- Don't participate in any gift exchanges with people you don't know

4.  Gift Card Scams

Scammers can steal gift cards and use the information, repackage the card making it look like it has not been used.  So if buying a card in person make sure the package hasn't been tampered with or purchase a gift card from the site online.