Workplace Violence: 7 Holiday Scams to Avoid
'Tis the season….for holiday scammers! The busier we get, the more distracted we are, and the more vulnerable we become. Scammers are opportunists who love to catch people off-guard. Here are 7 scams to be aware of this holiday season - share with your friends and family so no one has to "Bah! Humbug!" what should be the happiest time of the year.
1. Fake Charities Scam
Many charities will come knocking, calling or mailing you for donations because people are more generous during the holidays. According to the Federal Trade Commission, many of the calls you get during the holidays are from scam artists. The FTC has a checklist of warning signs to help you steer clear of charity scams. Make an annual charity giving plan and stick to it - making a quick giving decision will often lead to getting scammed.
2. Hotel Front Desk Scam
You just turned in for the night in your hotel room when the phone rings. It's the front desk and they have a problem with the computer. It seems that it lost all of your information, and they need it in order to "close the books" for the day. They ask you to come down to the front desk with your ID and credit card. Since you are cozy in bed and the last thing you want to do is leave the room, you object. That's when the manager says that it should be ok if you just read him the information off your credit card and driver's license.
It's not until the next day when you figure it out. It wasn't the front desk that called you, it was a criminal parked outside the hotel who was watching the rooms and waiting to scam the hotel guests. Always triple-check when giving personal information over the phone - we are sometimes our own worst enemies when it comes to identity theft and credit card fraud.
3. Seasonal Employment Scams
Many retailers take on extra staff to handle the Christmas rush. And since many people are hard-pressed for cash, they are eager to find seasonal jobs. Knowing this, internet-based criminals will send out emails promising non-existent jobs for which you are asked to pay a "commission" or "employment fee." You may see similar ads in newspaper classifieds and even flyers posted around your town.
Even if the job exists, you may be conned into working for nothing and given a promise of a generous payment at the end, which never comes.
Never pay for a job. Be wary if it's a "work now, get paid later" job. Check out the employer's credentials by looking them up on numerous internet sites, check them out on social media and ask a lot of questions. And remember: If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Dangerous Holiday Downloads
Anyone with a bit of holiday spirit can appreciate a downloadable dancing elf, Hanukkah jingle or Santa Claus screensaver. But what happens when we click on something more sinister in those spirited online offerings? For starters, we can infect our computers with a dangerous virus, worm or Trojan, which can wreak havoc on an operating system.
What's worse, some holiday-themed downloads can leave you vulnerable to identity theft and fraudulent activity. Don't let that yuletide ring tone destroy your new year. Always be extremely careful about what you install or download from the Internet.
5. Snagging Hot Toys and Gadgets Online
If stores sell out, people turn to the Internet to pick up items, often at sites like Craigslist or eBay, and pay steeper prices. But some sellers take the money and run. The Better Business Bureau advises: Never wire money as a payment. When shopping on Craigslist, look for local sellers and conduct business in person. Bring a friend and meet in a public place to conduct the transaction. When shopping auctions like eBay, research the sellers extensively. Don’t buy if the deal sounds too good to be true (that's turning into a theme here, isn't it?)
When a website offers big ticket items or electronics at prices that are too good to be true (a $20 iPhone 4, really?) be suspicious. There could be hidden costs.
6. Cash Register Scams
If you're a shopper, beware of being short-changed, either intentionally or unintentionally. Both are easy to do in the frantic atmosphere at the cash register at this time of year.
Have a fairly clear idea of the total cost before you go to the register and, if you can't make the right money, know what size of bill you'll use and how much change to expect. Don't move away from the register until you've checked your change and your receipt.
Watch out for the sleight of hand, where the person you're paying switches your high value bill for a lower one and complains you haven't given enough cash, or the cashier doesn't return your credit card.
If you're the cashier, beware of the flimflam, in which the scammer gives you a high-value bill then tries to change it for a smaller one and generally messes around until you lose track of what's going on. With this scam, there's often an accomplice - someone distracting you further.
If you're a cashier, simply don't allow yourself to be pressured or rushed at the register. If you feel yourself getting confused, call a halt and, if necessary, call a supervisor.
7. Counterfeit Merchandise/Items-off-of-a-Truck Scams
This scam involves a roving gang of scammers masquerading as delivery men. They pull a truck into a parking lot, and say that they can sell you something cheap, like speakers or electronics. At best, the goods will be low-quality knockoffs. At worst, you could be receiving stolen goods.
In New York and other major cities, it is common to see street vendors selling fake watches and purses that appear to be high-end, name-brand goods. The modern version of these scams is to sell the merchandise online where the buyer has even less opportunity to inspect it. Beware of items that are priced well below their competitors, and be sure to buy from an authorized retailer.
For more tips to avoid holiday scams, visit the FBI's New E-Scams and Warnings website.
To check and see if a business is legitimate and has a good reputation visit: http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/
Workplace Violence always peaks during the holidays because of additional stress at home and at work. Call me to talk about my programs on Workplace Violence and Managing Angry People at (623) 242-8797 or email carol@violence-free.com.