The Clark Howard Podcast 12.22.25 Avoid Fraud 2 Ways / The Outlook On Gas Prices
Dec 22, 2025
Scam alert! Criminals are impersonating Amazon security, targeting online shoppers this holiday season. Learn why storing your payment information online is a risky habit and how manual checkouts can protect your finances. Meanwhile, gas prices are on the decline, thanks to lower wholesale costs and increasing sales of electric vehicles. Clark also shares valuable tips on renting cars and saving on hotel bookings, emphasizing the importance of checking trustworthy sites. Don't miss these insights to keep your holidays merry and your wallet safe!
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Stop Storing Payment Info Online
- Do not store your credit or debit card information on retailer sites to avoid silent account takeovers.
- Manually enter payment details each time to prevent hackers using a stored card to buy items and drain your account.
Manufacturer Rebates Can Raise Sales Tax
- Sales tax on warehouse-club 'discounted' items can be calculated on the original price if the discount is a manufacturer rebate.
- States sometimes treat manufacturer discounts as rebates, causing tax to apply to the pre-discount amount.
Beware Faith-Based Health Co-Ops
- Treat faith-based health reimbursement co-ops as risk pools, not insurance, and read exclusions closely.
- Expect lower cost but higher exposure to catastrophic claims or uncovered conditions compared with real insurance.