The holiday season, a time for cheer and gift-giving, also brings an unfortunate spike in scams, as highlighted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). With increased online shopping and festive spending, scammers are actively targeting consumers and businesses across Hawaii. Recognizing the common schemes and taking preventative measures is essential to safeguard your finances and ensure a happy holiday season.
Several types of scams are on the rise, including those targeting online purchases. According to WBRC's recent report, gift card scams have increased, with criminals finding new ways to access gift card information before purchase. Shoppers should carefully inspect gift cards, and consider electronic gift cards for added security. Other common scams include fake charities and phishing attempts designed to steal personal or financial information. Businesses should be wary of fake invoices and employment scams, especially with the surge in seasonal hiring.
The BBB emphasizes the need for caution because, as the BBB states on its holiday scams page, the holiday season is prime time for scammers. Consumers are advised to thoroughly research online vendors, review company profiles on the BBB website, and be wary of unsolicited emails or text messages. Businesses should verify all invoices, monitor their social media presence, and train staff to identify and report suspicious activity.
To protect your business, always verify any request for payments or information, and scrutinize new vendors before doing business. Individuals should be cautious of unsolicited messages and remember, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Staying informed and taking proactive steps are vital defenses against the rising number of holiday scams in Hawaii.
