SCAM

from page 12

many of these things, hang up the phone and block the number.

Delivery Scams

Many people turned to online shopping during the pandemic. Because of this, most people are used to receiving shipping information about the incoming packages via email, but some scammers take advantage of shoppers’ reliance on email notifications. As holiday packages are sent out throughout the country, scammers send out phishing emails disguised as UPS, FedEx or U.S. Postal Service notifications of incoming or missed deliveries. Links lead to fake sign-in pages asking for personal information or to sites infested with viruses.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also warns of delivery notification scam calls and texts. These text messages and calls look like they’re from a legitimate mail or package courier and include a fake tracking link. The link will lead to a website to enter personal information, or it will install malware, and the scammer will be able to take valuable information such as a credit card number or ID number.

If you receive a message about an unexpected package delivery or delay in delivery, be cautious before moving forward. Identify harmful links by checking to see if there are any misspelled words, such as “ fedx.com.” When in doubt, contact the courier directly for accurate information about your deliveries.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are popular items to give and receive during the holidays. Many scammers sell expired or empty gift cards this time of year, hoping to make a profit on a card that isn’t worth more than the plastic used to make it.

Ask to inspect any gift card you purchase before you finalize the sale. Check to see if the activation code is exposed. If it is, the scammer has probably already used the card or has copied the information and will use it soon.