We get busy shopping for Christmas gifts online and in-store during the holiday season. It’s the season that keeps on giving — but not for all. Scammers will devise clever ways to con you out of your hard-earned money. Some will take advantage of your generosity. So, as you scroll through shopping websites and wait for your gifts to come in the mail, be sure to protect yourself from scammers. Here are some tips. Holiday Mail Scams Shipping companies will give you updates and status on your items when you order something online or ship a package off. Although this tool is excellent for tracking where your orders are, scammers will send phishing emails pretending to be these shipping companies. ’TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING — NOT STEALING How to Avoid Holiday Scams
company’s website and log in to your account. If action is required, you should see a notification in your portal. Alternatively, you can call the business’s customer service line to check if their email is authentic. Holiday Shopping Scams Businesses boom during the holiday season because more people buy their products and services. But this means potential scams can also increase, but you can do a few things to ensure your personal information and banking details are safe. You may see products online or advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok that pique your interest. But before you click “buy,” ensure the website is legitimate. Search for the product on a search engine to see if the same links appear. Carefully read reviews, look for website security credentials, and research unknown retailers before purchasing. It’s better to take extra precautions to ensure your information isn’t compromised. In addition, never use public Wi-Fi when purchasing items online. You’re more likely to be hacked when the Wi-Fi connection isn’t protected or in a secure network. Hackers tap into public internet sources and intercept your data through techniques like eavesdropping. Although it’s appealing to use public Wi-Fi because you think it’s free, it’s not. You pay with your personal information and data. If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by phone at 1-877-382-4357. For more information on scams, fraud, and identity theft, go to USA.gov/ scams-and-frauds to learn how to protect yourself better.
These emails claim your package is lost or more information is needed to process your order or shipment. Some may have a webpage link for you
to submit personal information. Phishing emails like these are all too common; unfortunately, millions of people’s data is compromised as a result. Understandably, when you first receive these scam emails, you panic because you think they are legitimate. But remember, USPS, UPS, Amazon, and FedEx won’t ask for personal information over email. A good rule of thumb is never to click on links in emails — even from the actual company. Scammers are very good at making their emails look authentic. Instead, go to the delivery
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installed. If you’re unsure, a hospital, police, or fire station will inspect the installation or even do it for you for free if you need a little extra help.
You can bring in an old, damaged, or expired seat twice a year and recycle it to redeem a coupon for 20% off one new seat, stroller, or other baby gear. The materials are all recycled, but the best part is you get a discount and a new seat. There is no excuse not to restrain your child properly. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250 (more than a car seat costs). If cost is an issue, please go to the website mentioned, visit your local fire or police station, hospital, or other charity organization, and keep those kiddos buckled in. Better yet, call the Texas Law Dog, and we can help guide you on where to go!
Car seats are also expensive. So, what do you do if you need a car seat and are strapped for cash? SafeConvertibleCarSeats.com is an excellent website for the ultimate guide to free car seats in ALL 50 U.S. states. Texas residents can call 800-252-8255, and they will assist in contacting a local resource. Texas Health and Human Services has a statewide program called Safe Riders that distributes and educates on proper child safety seat use and provides a free safety seat if you meet certain criteria. If you need to trade in a car seat or upgrade, Target offers a discount program.
–Matt Aulsbrook
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