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How to protect yourself from four common scams to this holiday season

Package theft is just one of many potential scams to watch out for during this time of the year. Sponsored by AARP.

SEATTLE — In the midst of the holidays, it's important to be aware of potential scams and know how to identify them. According to AARP's Doug Shadel, there are four scams in particular that holiday shoppers should be extra cautious about.

1. Porch Pirates 

A recent survey conducted by AARP showed that 50% of us intend to mail packages to loved ones this year. We should especially watchful of when and where those items will be dropped off. Thieves are more likely to run up to your porch and steal any potential packages if they are left in plain site. The Seattle-Tacoma area is fifth in the nation when it comes to package theft. 

"You got to take precautions, like requiring a signature," advised Shadel. AARP provided additional tips to help you stay protected as you await your deliveries:

  • Ask your carrier to place the package in an area out of plain view. AARP’s survey revealed only 26% of Washington adults provide shipping companies with any specific directions on where to leave packages.
  • Have your package delivered to your work.
  • Have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home.
  • Have your package held at your local post office for pickup.
  • Take advantage of a “Ship to Store” option that many companies offer. Amazon Lockers allow you to pick up your package from a secure location.

2. Gift Card Scams

AARP's survey found that one in four people have gotten a gift card that had no money on it. Shadel explained that scammers will go into stores and scratch to reveal gift card codes, jot them down, put the card back, wait for the card to be activated, then drain the funds before you can access them.

Shadel pointed out that redemption problems are not always due to a scammer. The store clerk may have forgotten to load money on the card at the register. "So we also have to check when you buy one of those cards that it was actually loaded," Shadel said.

Before buying a gift card in person, be sure to look at it carefully and make sure it hasn't been tampered with. If you buy gift cards online, buy them directly from the retailer rather than a third party.

Nearly 10-percent of Washington adults have been asked to purchase gift cards to pay money owed to a government authority. This is ALWAYS A SCAM. Unfortunately, 56% of those who received such a request went through with the transaction.

3. "Too Good To Be True" Online Deals

Online ads, e-mails, social media posts, or any impossibly good online deals are potential scams. Since many of us have a lot of gifts to buy, we try to save as much as we can by snagging the best deals.

"During the holidays, it's an emotional time. We know emotion skews," said Shadel. 

You could end up getting nothing for your money or an inferior item. You could also be steered to a phishing website that looks exactly like a real shopping site, where scammers are hoping to get your credit card number or personal information.

It's important to stay vigilant when purchasing items online. Skip those unsolicited links, pop-ups, and messages. "Take the initiative yourself to buy these things," advised Shadel.

4. Public Wi-Fi Risks

Making purchases online using public Wi-Fi is DANGEROUS. Only shop on public Wi-Fi if you have a “Virtual Private Network” on your device and it is turned on. When you do shop online, stick with credit cards. You are liable for only up to $50 of fraudulent use, but your financial loss with a stolen debit card could be much higher.

Additional Tips on Wise Charitable Giving

Many people give to different charities, nonprofits, and fundraisers -- especially during the holiday season. AARP's report found 35% of Washington adults don't conduct any research on charities before making their donations. Washington Secretary of State Kym Wyman's office recently released a report on charitable giving and commercial fundraisers in Washington.

"What we see is that not every dollar goes to the charity they're raising money for," said Secretary Kym Wyman. Her office recently released its annual report on charitable giving, which found nearly $1.2 million was raised for charities by the 92 commercial fundraisers analyzed. "We really want consumers to realize that when someone calls you and asks you for money to be really diligent in asking the right questions."

If you're making a donation through a commercial fundraiser rather than the charity itself, Secretary Wyman advises finding out what percentage of your dollar is actually donated. If they are unwilling to answer important questions and send you additional information, it may be a scam.

"If they are pressuring you to do something very quickly [...] that's your biggest red flag. Slow it down," said Secretary Wyman.

For more information on scams and fraud alerts, head over to AARP's website. To verify charities, people may call Secretary Wyman's office at 1-800-332-4483 or visit their website at www.sos.wa.gov/givesmart.

Sponsored by AARP. Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day

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