What to look out for this season.

Most people do a lot of their holiday shopping online these days.  People are growing more and more comfortable buying and selling things online, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down while searching for the perfect gift online.  Unfortunately the holidays can mean a hay day for online scammers.  Don’t let these scams turn your holiday sour!

Name a Star
Stars are named by the International Astronomical Union and most of them only have numbers.  Websites that claim to sell you the name of a star have no more right to do it than your mom does.  Although it’s a great idea and you get a pretty certificate, it will not go on anything close to any “official registry.”  Save yourself the trouble and just print out a certificate of your own. 

Fake Websites
      Be careful of websites created for businesses that don’t even exist.  Always check with the Better Business Bureau if you have any doubts about a company’s credibility.  Any Web site that sends you unsolicited too good to be true emails is usually a scam site with no good scamming emails.  Trust your gut.  If it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t.

Going Out of Business Sales
In this market be careful when you shop online at company’s website that says it is going out of business.  These sales are usually final.  With so many stores actually going out of business, many people are selling their gift certificates online.  Before you buy a gift certificate from someone online, double check to make sure that the store will still be there when you will be ready to use your new plastic card.  No one likes to waste money!

Fake Charities
Unfortunately this happens too much around the Holidays.  Although we would like to think it never happens out there, many people will make up charities and pocket your kind donation. Most of these scams are solicited over the phone or door to door.  The Federal Trade Commission has some great tips about protecting yourself from these scams.  It tells you to ask the important questions such as the name of the charity, what percentage will go to support the described cause, and ask for them to verify the authorized solicitation.  And, of course, don’t provide any personal information until you have checked all of the information and always make sure you have a receipt!

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