LIMA, OH (WLIO) - With Christmas fast approaching, don't get Grinched by scammers who are working hard to go after your holiday dollar.
With more consumers online shopping, there is also an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are sending phishing emails or texts with links that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. However, it could be difficult to decide which notifications are real or fake.
"I recommend that you keep a written list of what you've ordered online somewhere nearby. So, if you get a text alert you can cross-check it with what you have ordered," says Lane Montz, President and CEO of BBB of Northwest Ohio. "And I am still not sure you really need to click any links. I would advise against it. If you get an alert, take it for what it is worth, and compare it to what you have outstanding on order. But I don't think you need to click on any links for any legitimate orders. The BBB cautions against that."
The Better Business Bureau says scammers may also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees, so watch out when you get a text or email.
