Scams have become ubiquitous in the digital age and are now becoming more difficult to spot. According to the Better Business Bureau, the most recent iteration includes some key details that, to the blind eye, may fool you into thinking it’s legit.
Like many other scams, this one comes over email, and will appear to be from someone you know. “The message looks harmless and casual – like something a friend might really write,” the BBB said in a recent scam alert. For example, the BBB said, it could be something like: "Hi, how are things going with you? Are you busy? I need a quick favor," and even ending the message with "Sent from my iPhone."
That is a more sophisticated scam, complete with the same automated language included on legitimate emails, the BBB said. If you reply, the scammer may ask you to purchase a gift card for them and send a photo of the pin or the back of the card, claiming they’re traveling and are unable to buy it online.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Don't be fooled
But don't be fooled. Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them personal and financial information, according to the Federal Trade Commission, whose data finds that scams cost consumers billions of dollars a year.
Gift cards are especially tricky when it comes to scams, as they don’t contain the same protections as credit or debit cards, and so the cash most likely will not be recouped. It’s one of the reasons why gift cards are one of the worst things to keep in your wallet. Anyone can use them, as you are not required to show ID when paying with a gift card, and they are an easy target for scammers both during the holidays and otherwise. Scammers take down gift card information and wait until it’s activated to use it.
After being on high alert during the holidays, you might be tempted to let your guard down. But it’s important to remember that scammers are working all year round.
What to do if you've been scammed
According to BBB, the best way to protect yourself is to reach out to the friend directly to confirm that the message is from them. Also, use gift cards wisely, being sure to stay wary of businesses who deal exclusively with gift cards.
As Kiplinger has previously reported, if you suspect you’ve already been a victim of credit card fraud, there are a few steps you can take. You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you notice fraudulent charges, you can call AARP's Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360.
To learn more about how to spot, avoid and report scams, or steps to help you recover money you’ve lost to a scammer, visit the FTC's scam reporting page. And if you spot a scam, you can report it directly to the FTC's fraud report site.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Visa, Mastercard's Swipe Fee Settlement Might Save You Money, For NowThe limited-time agreement directly benefits merchants, which can potentially pass savings on to consumers.
-
New List Out On Medicare Part B Drugs Eligible for RebatesSome Medicare beneficiaries may pay lower coinsurance rates from April 1 to June 30 for the drugs, HHS says.
-
Use An iPhone? You May Be Hearing From A Class-Action Lawsuit GroupA handful of suits against the iPhone maker seek to crack down on everything from app store purchases to messaging.
-
Capital One/Discover: What's In Their Wallet For You?Push back on Capital One's planned merger with Discover is growing with one group of consumer advocates calling for a public hearing.
-
Lawmakers: Nix Social Security Offsets For Seniors In Student Loan DefaultOffsetting Social Security benefits to pay for defaulted student loans can be devastating for some beneficiaries, lawmakers say.
-
Stellantis Recalls 285K Vehicles Over Airbag ProblemsDefective airbag inflators on certain Chrysler and Dodge vehicles could rupture and cause injury or death, NHTSA says.
-
HHS Funding Secured As Major Government Shutdown AvoidedWith passage of the fiscal 2024 appropriations package, Medicare and Social Security are among the key agencies to receive funding through September 30.
-
State Farm To Exit Homeowner Renewal Policies in CaliforniaState Farm plans to send non-renewal notices to 72,000 home and apartment policyholders starting this July.
