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By Lori Abbott, Public News Service
December 16, 2014 (San Diego) -- It may be the season of giving, but it's unfortunately the season of taking too.
Whether it's an online shopping scam, gift card fraud or a fake charity asking for donations, AARP fraud expert Sally Hurme says always think twice before giving out personal information.
"Whether it's your Social Security number or bank account or credit card information, make sure you're absolutely certain that it's a legitimate company that you're dealing with," she says.
The AARP website features a new resource guide to give Californians the tools they need to outsmart con artists before they strike.
Hurme says some of the newer scams include a $20.00 "Letter to Santa" scam, and a fake electronic greeting card delivered via email.
"They're going to appear like something you would want to open," says Hurme. "It's something innocent and something that you may be expecting to get, but if you're not careful about the address, you may be susceptible to getting malware when you open the greeting card."
Hurme she finds fake charity scams especially disheartening because people are so generous during the holidays.
"They use various schemes," she says. "They'll use names that are similar to a recognized charity, or they'll pull at your heartstrings and you think that you're giving to a legitimate charity when you're not."
Before giving, Hurme says to be sure to verify a charity by utilizing the Charity Navigator or Better Business Bureau websites. AARP's Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that offers real-time alerts about the latest scams, plus help for those who have been victimized.'
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