

Holidays shopping brings out the scammers. Here's how to stay safe
18 snips Dec 17, 2024
As holiday shopping booms, the rise of scams poses a serious threat. The discussion includes eye-opening personal stories of deception, like fake concert tickets and fraudulent purchase notifications. Experts share vital tips to spot red flags in online shopping and highlight the importance of vigilance. Awareness is key, especially with scammers targeting the trusting and generous spirit of the season. In-person shopping is suggested as a safer alternative to avoid online pitfalls.
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Fake Walmart Call
- NPR editor Peter O'Dowd received a scam voicemail about a PlayStation 5 order from "Walmart."
- He doesn't have a Walmart account and recognized the call as a scam, likely using AI.
Vulnerability to Scams
- Scammers try to obtain personal and financial information through deceptive tactics.
- George Abraham, CEO of scamadvisor.com, emphasizes everyone is vulnerable to scams at some point.
Fake Concert Tickets
- Kelly Richmond Pope, a forensic accounting professor, bought fake Bruno Mars tickets online.
- The website looked slightly different from the official Ticketmaster site, offering unrealistically cheap prices.