FBI San Francisco Warns of Holiday Scams Targeting Shoppers and Donors
SAN FRANCISCO—The FBI’s San Francisco Field Office is warning the public about a significant increase in holiday scams targeting shoppers and donors during the holiday season. These scams often involve phishing emails, fraudulent websites, and fake charities that attempt to steal personal information, credit card numbers, and money.
“Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick victims during the holiday season,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair. “It’s important to be aware of these scams and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Here are some common holiday scams to watch out for:
- Phishing emails: These emails appear to come from legitimate companies or organizations, such as banks, retailers, or charities. They often contain links to fake websites that look identical to the real thing. If you click on the link and enter your personal information, the scammers will steal it.
- Fraudulent websites: These websites are designed to look like legitimate websites, but they are actually fake. They often sell counterfeit products or charge inflated prices. If you purchase something from a fraudulent website, you will likely never receive the product or you will receive a product that is not as advertised.
- Fake charities: These organizations often use names that are similar to real charities, but they are actually scams. They will often ask for donations over the phone or through email. If you donate to a fake charity, your money will not go to the intended cause.
The FBI recommends that shoppers and donors take the following steps to protect themselves from holiday scams:
- Be cautious of emails and websites that you don’t recognize. If you receive an email from a company or organization that you don’t recognize, do not click on any links or open any attachments.
- Only shop from reputable websites. When shopping online, only use websites that you know and trust. Look for websites that have a physical address and phone number.
- Be wary of charities that you don’t recognize. If you are asked to donate to a charity that you don’t recognize, do some research to make sure it is a legitimate organization.
- Protect your personal information. Never share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with anyone over the phone or through email.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a holiday scam, you should report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
FBI San Francisco Warns of Holiday Scams Targeting Shoppers and Donors
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
FBI a new article on 2024-11-26 09:20 titled “FBI San Francisco Warns of Holiday Scams Targeting Shoppers and Donors”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
39