Providing sources of useful information and expertise to educate our community and connect people in need to available resources.
Attorney General Dave Sunday: Don’ t Let a Scammer Steal Your Holiday Cheer
The holidays are a time for giving, gathering and goodwill – but for scammers, it’ s prime season for taking.
While families across Pennsylvania are planning meals, wrapping gifts and hunting for deals, fraudsters are just as busy, looking to cash in on distracted shoppers, tight budgets and generous hearts. It’ s a pattern Attorney General Dave Sunday and his team of the Bureau of Consumer Protection know all too well.
“ Scammers see this time of year as a prime opportunity to steal and defraud,” Attorney General Sunday said.“ Be selective when shopping online, and never feel pressured into making snap decisions. A little caution goes a long way.”
Whether you’ re shopping for loved ones or donating to a cause, here’ s how to protect yourself and your wallet this season:
Stick with Trusted Retailers
Online deals may be tempting, but not all are legit. Scammers often create fake websites that mimic real ones or pop up with sales too good to be true.
Stick to well-known stores, and double check URLs. When shopping on resale sites, review seller ratings and feedback before buying.
Be Smart About How You Pay
Attorney General Sunday strongly advises against paying with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or money orders – all are common tools scammers use to avoid being tracked.
“ Gift cards are for giving to friends, family, and co-workers— not for paying strangers,” Attorney General Sunday said.“ A legitimate government entity or financial institution will never ask for payment via gift cards, so that should be an immediate red flag that you are being targeted by a scammer.”
Instead, use a credit card, which offers built-in fraud protection and gives you a better shot at getting your money back if something goes wrong.
Read the Fine Print on Payment Plans Buy-now-pay-later services may help manage big holiday purchases, but they’ re not always as simple as they seem. Some come with hidden fees or penalties if you miss a payment.
Before using one, make sure you understand the terms, and how it fits into your budget after the holidays.
Protect Your Personal Information Scammers don’ t just want your money – they want your identity, too. If a site or email asks you for your Social Security number or bank account information, that is a big red flag.
Be wary of messages that appear to be from delivery services, banks or retailers but ask you to click on suspicious links. These phishing attempts are designed to trick you into handing over personal data.
Always go directly to the company’ s official website instead of clicking on links in texts or emails.
Look Out for Loved Ones
Scammers often target seniors, families and those who may not be as familiar with digital risks. Take a few minutes to check in with your loved ones and share these tips.
A simple reminder – like“ never give out payment information over the phone” – could prevent a costly mistake.
“ Scammers love the holiday season because they know people are spending more and are often in a hurry,” Attorney General Sunday said.“ Slow down, use trusted payment methods, and check in with your loved ones as they complete their holiday shopping.”
Keep the Season Scam Free The holidays should bring joy, not stress. Unfortunately, scammers don’ t take time off, so staying alert is your best defense.
Be cautious with deals, shop with confidence and remember: businesses won’ t pressure you or ask for untraceable payments. As Attorney General Sunday reminds us,“ A few extra minutes of caution can save you from a lot of heartache.”
So keep your personal information safe, trust your instincts and don’ t let a scammer steal your holiday cheer.
If you think you’ ve been scammed or encountered a suspicious seller, report it.
If you used a credit card, contact your provider right away to dispute the charge. You may also file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’ s Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting attorneygeneral. gov.
MILLCREEK ❘ WINTER 2025 75