Be prepared to avoid holiday scams this year

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it is important to stay vigiliant against potential scams that surround the holiday season. AARP lists the following holiday scams as the most popular during the season:

• Charity scams

• Delivery scams

• Shopping/Travel scams AARP recommends looking out for these warning signs while shopping:

• Huge discounts on hot gift items on social media posts or unfamiliar websites.

• Spelling errors or shoddy grammar on a shopping website or in an email or text.

•An unsolicited email that asks to click on a link or download an app to access a deal or arrange a delivery.

• Pressure from a charity fundraiser to donate right away. Legitimate charities will accept donations on your own timeline.

Thankfully, there are ways to protect against scams:

• Rather than clicking on a link from an email or text to a hot deal, go to the web browser and type in the web address of the company offering said great deal.

• Pay by credit card. This way you can dispute charges and limit the damage if the transaction was fraudulent.

• Buy gifts cards online directly from the issuing business instead of a retail rack, where the cards can be tampered with.

For more information about scams targeting seniors, go to https://www.aarp. org/money/scams-fraud/.