Attention Holiday Shoppers: Watch Out for Fraud

’Tis the season to be merry—and to watch out for fraud.

Scammers take full advantage of the giving season by trying to bilk people out of their cash, goods and identities. AARP Delaware reminds First Staters to be on the alert for schemes that are common at this time of year.

Typical holiday scams include online shopping fraud. Con artists offer unrealistic discounts on popular brand items, then steal the “buyer’s” credit card information. Scammers also post phony charity solicitations on social media sites or send solicitations by text or email.

Delaware ranked eighth in the nation in fraud complaints per capita in 2016 and third in identity theft complaints, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

For more fraud prevention tips and to sign up for watchdog alerts, go to fraudwatchnetwork.org.