Well...the holidays are upon us! How did that happen so quickly? As the holidays approach faster than we expected, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and a little concern for all of us. It's such a wonderful time for coming together, sharing joy, and creating special memories with loved ones. But I know how overwhelming it can get, and that's why I want to take a moment to look out for you and your family. Over the next week or so, I'll be sharing insights on some common scams that could put a damper on this festive season. My goal is to help you navigate these challenges with confidence, so we can all focus on what truly matters—the warmth of togetherness and the simple joys of the holidays.
Scammers, unfortunately, see this time as an opportunity, preying on our goodwill and busyness. But please know, you're not alone in this—I'm here to support you every step of the way. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans lost over $12 billion to online scams in 2024, with a 22% increase from the year before, and reports show losses often peak from November through January. Let's join forces to keep you and your loved ones safe, so we can avoid any unwanted surprises and make this holiday season truly magical.
To kick things off, here's the first in my series of the top ten scams that could affect your wallet and privacy right now, along with simple steps to protect yourself.
**Fake Retail Websites**
It's heartbreaking to hear stories of people getting excited about a great deal, only to be let down or worse, have their information stolen. Scammers create convincing knockoffs of real retailer sites, complete with familiar logos and tempting photos. They make the prices irresistible, but in the end, you might not receive your items—or your credit card details could be compromised.
To help you stay safe and secure:
- Double-check by typing the store’s web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking on links.
- Look for that reassuring padlock symbol (that means it's a secure HTTPS site).
- And always watch out for subtle tweaks and/or misspellings in the domain name, like "BestBuyy.com" instead of the real one—these are red flags!
I'd love to hear your thoughts or any questions you have—feel free to reach out. Together, we can make this holiday season one of peace and protection. Wishing you and your family all the best! 🎄
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