PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - The FBI’s Miami Field Office is cautioning holiday shoppers to remain vigilant during the busy 2024 shopping season against scams that target personal information and finances.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-delivery and non-payment schemes were responsible for over $92 million in losses last holiday season.
“The FBI urges consumers to be vigilant and protect themselves against criminals looking to make a quick buck this holiday season,” said Special Agent Jeffrey B. Veltri in a press release. “Be on the lookout for these schemes, if it seems “too good to be true” it probably is. We’re seeing an advanced use of phishing campaigns, both through social media, where they’ll advertise a product that everyone wants and they will offer free giveaways. Do your part to avoid the scammers and enjoy the holidays.”
The FBI highlighted several scams to watch out for:
- Online shopping scams: Scammers offer deals through phishing e-mails or advertisements.
- Social media scams: Scammers use social media sites that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards. These scams often lead consumers to complete online surveys designed to steal personal information.
- Smartphone app scams: Scammers design mobile apps disguised as free games that steal personal information.
- Work-from-home scams: Scammers use websites and social media posts that offer working from home. Convenience is the attention grabber, but there may be fraudulent intentions.
- Gift card scams: Victims receive a spoofed e-mail, call, or text asking them to purchase multiple gift cards for personal or business reasons.
- Charity scams: Criminals set up false charities and profit from individuals who believe they are donating to legitimate organizations.
The FBI urges consumers to research retailers, use secure payment methods, and monitor shipping details closely.
“During this time, we do see an increase in different types of scams,” said Veltri. “They’ll steal your financial information by having you “pay” for shipping.”
7News cameras captured several holiday shoppers checking off their families’ wish lists complete at the Sawgrass Mills Mall.
“I’m holiday shopping for all my kids, and grandchildren. Bottega has a 40% plus deal, another store also gave me a 40% (discount) which is a miracle, and also 50% in Tory Burch. I’m happy!” said Cristina Burk.
Burk said she prefers shopping in person rather than online.
But a trio of young women, who spoke to 7News, said they prefer shopping online.
“And then you get more deals too and it’s fun and it’s cold (outside),” said one woman.
“Yeah, I like the thrill,” said the second woman.
“I feel like I do more damage online ’cause I’m in the comfort of my bed,” said the third woman.
Veltri also warned online shoppers to be aware of the form of payment on some websites.
“These bad guys are very good. They’ll create fake websites. The one thing that is easy to identify is that a lot of them will often ask for a donation in cryptocurrency,” said Veltri.
Officials said that victims of scams should first call the police and then the bank.
For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.
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