PIERRE, SD – With the holiday shopping season kicking off in earnest this week, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning shoppers that scammers are trying to dampen the Christmas spirit.
“Scammers are enjoying the holidays for all the wrong reasons,” Attorney General Jackley said in a news release. “They are always looking for ways to steal someone’s personal and financial information, whether people are shopping in a store or online.”
A common scam during the holiday season is receiving an email or text message from the US Postal Service, Federal Express or other delivery service telling the customer that a package is ready and to click on the attached link for delivery instructions . Never click on such a link, but contact the delivery organization directly to confirm the information, the press release said.
One form of scam that is becoming increasingly common during the holidays involves gift cards. People purchasing gift cards should check the card carefully to ensure there has been no visible tampering with the package or the area where the code can be scratched off.
“Before you sign for an unexpected delivery, click on a strange website or email, or agree to buy something over the phone or the Internet, always take a few minutes to review everything,” said Attorney General General Jackley in a press release.
If you believe you have been a victim of retail fraud or theft, you are encouraged to call the Division of Consumer Protection at consumerhelp@state.sd.us or call 1-800-300-1986 or 605-773-4400.
Consumers can also sign up for consumer email alerts from the Consumer Protection Division at www.consumer.sd.gov. Email addresses are not shared or sold to third parties.
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The Department of Consumer Protection offers these tips on how to shop safely:
Purchases in the store
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Check the refund and return policy for limitations and exclusions.
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Are there restocking fees for returned items?
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When purchasing gift cards, check to see if fees and expiration dates apply.
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Compare prices.
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Check warranties before purchasing.
In addition to these traditional shopping methods, consumers should also exercise caution when dealing with online retailers.
Online shopping tips
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Always place orders over a secure connection – If your computer is not protected from potential malicious software, your financial information and passwords are at risk of being stolen, as is anything else you store on your computer or do online.
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Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true” – Any e-store that promises too much at too low a price should make you pause for a moment before proceeding. Look-alike sites are waiting for your information and money.
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Don’t use an e-store that requires more information than is necessary to make the sale. Expect to provide payment method, shipping address, phone number, and email address IF the merchant asks for other information, walks away from the sale. Never give out your bank account or social security information.
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Do you need to create a password for a site? – make it unique. Most sites allow you to make the purchase as a guest, but if you want to create an account, use a unique and strong password.
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Is the site safe? Search for “https” and NOT “http”. The ‘s’ tells you that the website is secure and encrypted to protect your information.
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Use a credit card to make your purchases – Credit cards have standard protections in case your card information is stolen.
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ALWAYS check the company’s shipping and returns policy. Know the deadlines for eligible returns and whether you need an RMA, Return or Merchandise Authorization number before returning items.
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Please take into account the time limits you may face if you need to return the product.
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If the Terms and Conditions are hidden on the site or if they are vague, stop and think before completing the purchase.
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Cell phone shopping tips
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Make sure your computer and mobile devices are up to date with all software updates.
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Be careful of social media scams. Stick to the sites you know and don’t click on unknown links.
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Research price comparison apps. There are many malicious mobile apps ready to be downloaded.
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Do not download apps from unknown sources.
Scam message tips
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Never click or open the link provided.
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Always go straight to the source and contact them.
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Scammers may tell you that there is a fraud investigation underway and that you need to “verify” your account or claim that there is unauthorized or fraudulent activity on your Amazon account
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Common ways to detect a fake message:
1. Spelling mistakes and poor grammar; 2. Abnormally long numbers; 3. Suspicious link – nothing relevant to the company they say they are from; 4. Message is urgent; and, 5. Post offers a refund.
This article originally appeared in Watertown Public Opinion: South Dakota holiday phishing, gift card scams to avoid
