FBI warns of holiday scams

As the 2024 holiday shopping season begins, the FBI Houston Division reminds consumers to stay vigilant against scammers looking to steal money and personal information. While scams may not change significantly each year, the techniques and methods scammers use do evolve. Here’s what to watch out for this season:

Common Scams

• Tech Support Scams: Targeting those with limited computer literacy, scammers pose as technical support providers, convincing victims to pay for non-existent services, share banking information, or empty their accounts for “safekeeping” by impersonating government officials.
• Email Compromise Scams: Victims are tricked into making wire transfers to bank accounts they believe belong to trusted companies—only to find the funds have gone to accounts controlled by scammers.
• Cryptocurrency Investment Scams: Scammers build trust over time, then convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, promising high returns. Victims are directed to fraudulent websites that appear legitimate but are controlled by the scammer.

Holiday-Specific Scams

• Online Shopping Scams: Criminals offer “too-good-to-be-true” deals via phishing emails, texts, or fake ads on social media. These scams may include: Brand-name merchandise at unrealistically low prices, gift card offers or incentives, and products that differ from advertised descriptions—or never arrive at all. Tip: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Charity Scams: Fraudulent charities ramp up during the holidays, taking advantage of individuals looking to donate or make tax-deductible gifts. Scammers use fake websites, social media accounts, crowdfunding platforms, phone calls, and emails to solicit donations, pocketing the money instead of helping those in need.

Tips to Avoid Holiday Fraud

• Verify offers, links, and attachments before clicking or providing personal information.
• Regularly check bank and credit card statements, especially after online purchases.
• Be cautious of promotions or giveaways that ask for personal information.
• Never share sensitive information (e.g., date of birth, Social Security number, or home address) with unknown individuals or organizations.
• Use strong, unique passphrases for all financial accounts.
• Before donating to a charity, verify its legitimacy by confirming its Taxpayer Identification Number through its website or by contacting the charity directly.

Reporting Fraud

If you suspect you’ve been scammed:

• Immediately contact your financial institution.
• Notify your local law enforcement agency.
• Report online scams to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.