Don’t let the last-minute rush leave you vulnerable to scams
By Britta Clark
One of the easiest last-minute gifts comes in the form of a small plastic card hanging on the rack near the register. Or perhaps a parent is looking everywhere for a popular toy that seems to be unavailable anywhere. No matter what you’re looking for, the deadline pressure can leave anyone vulnerable to scams.
Gift card tips
Before grabbing a gift card for a favorite store or restaurant, know that thieves are just as eager to use these gift cards before they’re presented to the intended recipient. Also, some retailers have terms and conditions as to how the gift card can be redeemed.
Take a closer look. Before purchasing a gift card, look carefully at the packaging for any tears, wrinkles, or other indications of tampering, and see if the PIN is exposed. If anything looks suspicious, it’s probably best to take a different card, and turn in the compromised card to the store’s Customer Service Desk.
Research how to use the card. Not all retailers have the same policies when issuing a gift card. Double check the terms and conditions on the type of gift card purchased.
Register your gift card. If the retailer allows the option to register the gift card, take full advantage. This makes it easier to protect the balance, that way you can report it sooner and potentially end up saving the money that is stored on the card.
Treat it like cash. If the card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. Most issuers have toll-free telephone numbers to report a lost or stolen card — find it on the card or online.
Toy-reselling tips
Every year, there are always a few “must-have” toys on most kids’ holiday wish list. The toy sells out fast, and becomes expensive and hard to find. This year’s hot picks are Star Wars collectibles, Funko’s Pop! figures, Hatchimals, and Magformers. Scammers are using the toys’ popularity to trick parents out of their money.
Only buy toys from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid getting scammed when purchasing toys is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust.
Don’t be fooled by extra-low prices. Unreasonably low prices are a red flag for a scam on many products. Avoid making a purchase from a retailer you aren’t familiar with if because the price sounds too good to be true, because it probably is!
Research before you buy. If a company seems legitimate but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before offering up your name, address, and credit card information, make sure the company has a working customer service number. Check out the business at BBB.org.
Expedited shipping tips
Ordering a last-minute gift online can increase your shipping prices drastically. Some scammers con victims by offering unrealistic expedited shipping deals. To cover for these costs, they may increase the cost of your items to make it only appear like you’re getting a deal. Sometimes, businesses do the opposite: they don’t even show shipping until you’re checking out, just to surprise you with a large sum after you’ve put hours into picking out your gifts.
Research shipping costs. Before you spend too much time on a website that promises fast shipping, find their shipping costs. Include those costs in your budget and avoid being surprised at checkout.
Know the return policies. Read the return and exchange policies. You may want to look for a gift receipt option to make it as easy as possible for you or your giftee to return something should it be needed.
Check processing and shipping times. It doesn’t matter how much shipping is if the package doesn’t get to you on time. Check how long their offered shipping tiers will take. Does expedited mean one day? Two days? Three to five or more? Every day can make a difference, especially if there are unexpected weather delays with the postal system or problems with your order. Some businesses need processing time to collect or make your order before it can be shipped. So even if the shipping is one or two days, your package may not be shipped immediately. That can greatly increase the time between when you order and when your product is received.
Make sure someone is home to receive it. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft. To ensure safe delivery, have your package delivered to your workplace, or to a trusted friend or neighbor who will be home to accept delivery. Some delivery companies now have lockers where your packages can securely wait for you to pick them up using a one-time code to open the locker.
Last-minute traveling
Plans can change quickly, and might leave you rushing to get somewhere you hadn’t originally planned to visit. The hurry to book hotels or flights can come with exorbitant prices, or deals too good to be true.
Try calling for reservations. If you’re looking for the cheapest last minute hotel or vacation deals, it will help to call the locations directly and ask about any last minute cancellations or deals that have rooms open. Looking online doesn’t give as much wiggle room, and the hotel might have more updated information that what’s shown on booking websites.
Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for places that seem way too nice for the price they’re being offered at. Talk with the owner, check public records, and be wary about purchasing anything through a third party booking site.
Pay with a credit card. You should never pay for a vacation by prepaid debit card or wire transfer. These payments are the same as sending cash. Once you send the money, you have no way to get it back. That’s why scammers depend upon these forms of payment. Paying with a credit card is your best bet. If your trip ends up being a scam, you can dispute the charge and dramatically limit your liability.
Look up reviews and complaints. Taking a few minutes to look up a business on reputable websites like BBB.org can save you time and trouble in the long run.
When you head out for your trip, don’t let the rush distract you from properly protecting yourself, your home, and your belongings:
—Wait to post on social media. We all like to share our vacation adventures with friends and family, but wait until you get back from your trip. Giving too much detail about when you will be away, and your home will be empty, could attract thieves.
—Check your home insurance. If your home will be unattended while you are away, make sure you know your responsibilities under your home insurance policy. Some policies do not cover damage if nobody checks on your home for a certain amount of time.
—Tell people where you’re going. Share a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend. Include the contact information of someone joining you on your trip. If you go somewhere last minute, don’t forget to let someone know!
—Check the weather conditions where you will be traveling and pack appropriate supplies and clothing.
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