How to stop common online scams, how to protect against porch pirates
It may be the season to be jolly, but there are always some Grinches out there taking advantage of the holiday cheer.
Whether you’re ordering packages, signing up for discounts or connecting with relatives, it’s important to remember that scammers look forward to this season all year round.
“If a deal you find this holiday season seems a little too good to be true, it probably is,” the FBI’s field office in Philadelphia said.
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In New Jersey last year, residents reported 1,200 instances of non-payment and non-delivery scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Total losses were estimated at $5.8 million.
Here’s what to look out for, and what not to fall for, to keep your holiday season scam-free.
How to avoid scams when online shopping
Cyber Monday may have passed, but if you’re trying to secure a few last-minute orders, New Jersey State Police offer the following advice:
- Shop on secure websites and look for ” and a padlock next to the URL on any page accepting payment information.
- Avoid unfamiliar websites.
- Opt for retailer apps instead of clicking email or text links.
- Use a credit card or secure payment method instead of a debit card.
- Don’t save your card details online.
- Don’t click on suspicious email or text links from unknown senders.
- Don’t shop on public WiFi networks, and use a VPN if you have to.`
- Make a habit of monitoring your credit card and banking information for inconsistencies.
- Watch out for phishing emails that mimic popular companies.
“Though the holidays are the season of giving, scammers are always looking to take” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge with the FBI in Philadelphia.
“Online scams these days are becoming more sophisticated and creative — but all have the same end goal — to separate you from your information or money. We encourage our communities to remain vigilant when navigating the cyber space this holiday season, and to report any suspect holiday scheme or fraud to the FBI through ic3.gov.”
The FBI also suggested that shoppers use strong passwords for online shopping accounts, research the companies they are purchasing from and always obtain tracking numbers for orders.
How many packages are stolen by porch pirates?
According to survey results from SafeWise, an online safety advisory group, 120.5 million packages were stolen in the U.S. last year.
This translated to an estimated $16 billion in losses.
The survey, which polled 2,500 residents in the country who have had a package stolen in their lifetime, estimated that the majority of packages stolen were delivered by Amazon carriers.
How to stop your packages from being stolen
During the holidays, it’s almost impossible to avoid ordering a package or two.
SafeWise recommends the following to help avoid the headache of a stolen package:
- Sign up for delivery updates.
- Require signatures on package deliveries.
- Use a package locker service, or ask friends or neighbors to pick up your packages if you can’t be home for delivery.
- Invest in a doorbell camera to help deter package thiefs.
More:To-go meals on Christmas: These South Jersey restaurants, stores have you covered
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
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