PHOENIX — As you continue to shop for loved ones this holiday season, buyer beware.
With one in three Americans expected to be targeted with holiday scams, the holiday shopping season has become a scammer's playground.
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12News is sharing the top scams you should look out for, so you don't get taken advantage of as you're making those purchases for loved ones.
It might be more inexpensive to shop online, but it’s also a place scammers are lurking, now more deceptive than ever, according to digital scam expert and Lionsgate Network CEO Bezalel Eithan Raviv.
"We're looking at $10 billion to be embezzled this year,” he said.
Raviv’s team specializes in crypto recovery. From fake websites to phishing emails, he says there are plenty of scams to be leery of.
“That's why we believe the best remedy is in fact awareness," said Raviv.
Here are the top four scams to look out for this holiday season:
- Clicking on Fraudulent Ads
- Get-Rich-Quick Resolutions
- Job and Task Scams
- Crypto Gifting Scams
Clicking on Fraudulent Ads
Scammers lure users with fake ads that lead to phishing sites or install malware.
“Entering into a domain or a website that you're not familiar with is that moment where all of your information is at risk," said Raviv.
Get-Rich-Quick Resolutions
These scams promise to "end 2024 with more money" often resulting in financial loss instead of gain.
"Don't try to look for cutting corners,” Raviv said. “It doesn't work in real life."
Job and Task Scams
This type of scam offers easy tasks or jobs that build credit but in reality, turn out to be identity theft schemes.
"Online jobs, especially if you're being offered them in an unsolicited way, is a huge red flag," said Raviv.
Crypto Gifting Scams
Gifting crypto is trendy, but risky. Be sure to verify the legitimacy of platforms before making a purchase.
“It comes with a lot of risk if you don't know what you're doing," Raviv said. “The journey to recover is always longer than to prevent."
If you've been scammed
If you think you may have been scammed, be sure to contact the Attorney General's office, local law enforcement and your credit card company immediately.
As always, if you have any Money Saving Monday ideas you would like us to cover, just email us at money@12news.com.
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The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.