U.S. Attorney Dena J. King issued a warning last week to alert consumers about an increase in online scams during the holiday season.

“December is the month of giving, but it’s also the time of year when cybercriminals try to take advantage of consumers, quickly turning a joyous season into a living nightmare,” King said. “Whether shopping online for a gift, choosing a charity for a donation, or applying for seasonal work to earn extra money, it is imperative for everyone to stay vigilant against online scams and identity theft schemes. It’s important for all of us to do all we can to protect our hard-earned money and our personal information from financial predators.”

Most common scams:

Fake Online Stores or “Lookalike Stores” 

The U.S. Attorney office said to watch for red flags, such as discounted prices for in-demand items, like electronics, jewelry and clothing. Be wary of social media ads that link you to fake online stores or product listings. These scams target shoppers looking to buy luxury or hard-to-find items at an affordable price. Consumers may end up with stolen credit card information or paying for an item that is never received.

Missed Delivery/Non-Delivery Notification

Beware of fake delivery emails or text messages alerting you of a missed package delivery. The notification may direct you to a website designed to steal your information. Pay attention to the domain address of the link.

Gift Card Scams

Buying fake gift cards or tricking consumers into using gift cards to pay for fraudulent goods or services is a popular one. The U.S. Attorney office said to avoid online stores or advertisements that purport to sell commercial gift cards at deeply discounted prices. Make sure to purchase gift cards from reputable retailers.

Fake Charities 

If donating online, research the charity and check with the Better Business Bureau. The U.S. Attorney office also recommends looking at the charity’s URL and website for signs of fraud, including misspellings, bad grammar, and no contact information.

Phishing Emails or Texts

Be wary of communications from your bank or credit card company, warning you that your account has been compromised. These phishing emails or texts generally prompt you to click on the provided link to log into your account to update your compromised information, so scammers can steal your information. Avoid clicking on emails that promise free giveaways, prompt you to claim a prize, or ask you to confirm a reservation or other booking.

Fraudulent Seasonal Jobs

Be mindful of fake job ads, especially online job listings that offer really good money for very little work. Do not ever pay upfront for any equipment or training you need for a new job. Also, do not readily provide your personal information.

Scams targeting older adults

• Lottery Phone Scams – in which the callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
• Grandparent Scams – which convince seniors that their grandchildren are in trouble and need money to make rent, repair a car, or even money for bail.
• Romance Scams – which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose.
• Tech Support Scams – which convince victims to pay for non-existent problems with their computers.
• IRS Imposter Scams – which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes.
• Sham Business Opportunities – which convince victims to invest in lucrative business opportunities or investments.