AARP Pennsylvania offers tips to help avoid holiday-season fraud

A new study from “A-A-R-P’s Fraud-Watch Network” finds that many holiday-shoppers might be opening themselves up to risk. Mary Bach is a volunteer with “A-A-R-P Pennsylvania’s” “Consumer-Issues Task-Force”… “Two-thirds of Pennsylvanians will use their debit-cards—even though credit-cards and digital wallets are safer to use online. And, almost as many plan to buy gift-cards off the rack—even though that’s a known target for scammers.” And, because scammers use a number of tactics, Bach offers these additional tips… “One of the most-obvious signs is when you see a deal that seems impossibly good; you may end up getting nothing, or an inferior item. Websites with misspellings, poor grammar, or an unusual or confusing address should also raise a red flag. What’s more, ‘phishing’ e-mails often spoof delivery-companies: You shouldn’t click on any links—and, if you need to check on a package, you should instead directly visit the website of either the retailer or the delivery-company. And, to help thwart thieves who steal from doorsteps, ask for packages to be left in an obscure place—or, if that’s not possible, make arrangements to pick them up yourself.” To learn more about staying safe from holiday-scams, visit “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“fraud-watch-network”—or call 1-877-908-3360.