During the winter holidays, many Wisconsinites exchange gifts to bring joy and show their appreciation for others. Unfortunately, scammers also know that gift buying and giving is a holiday tradition and will try to take advantage of consumers’ good intentions. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is asking consumers to remain on alert for common holiday scams.
Package Delivery Scams
Have you received a text message about a failed or delayed package delivery? Knowing that many consumers make their holiday purchases online, scammers send these texts and emails hoping you will click on the link they send. But opening that link will direct you to a convincing copy of a real delivery company’s website that asks for your personal information or an additional “shipping fee.”
DATCP’s tips: To check the status of a delivery, go directly to the delivery company’s or retailer’s website. Don’t click the links in a text or email.
Online Marketplace Scams
An online marketplace like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell products directly with each other. Whether you are selling or buying, be wary if a user asks you to pay upfront, requests you move your conversation to text messages or another platform, or says they need you to send them a security code – which could give them access to your private accounts.
DATCP’s tips: Keep conversations on the platform they started on. Never send anyone a security code sent to you, for any reason.
Fake Website Scams
Scammers create fake versions of common retailers’ websites, then try to trick consumers into making “purchases” on the fraudulent platform. They may use ads, social media posts, or emails and text messages to draw users in. By making a “purchase” on a fake website, you are sending money to a scammer and giving them your payment information, which could lead to further fraudulent charges or even identity theft.
DATCP’s tips: Never open a link you are sent, even for a familiar site. Instead type the address directly into your browser. Before entering any information, closely examine a website’s address for unusual phrasing or incorrect spelling, and confirm that “HTTPS” (not “HTTP”) is at the beginning of the address before entering personal information like your password or credit card number. The “S” stands for “secure!”
Safe Online Shopping Tips
No matter how you make your purchases this holiday season, there are precautions any consumer can take to keep their money and identity safe. Avoid making purchases over a public Wi-Fi network since you never know who could be monitoring that data. Use a credit card since this payment method has built-in fraud protection. Ask your credit card company if they offer additional protections like “virtual card numbers.”
For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
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Holiday Toy Tips: Consider Safety and Avoid Scams
MADISON, Wis. – Shopping for gifts this holiday season? There are many factors to consider when searching for the perfect present, especially when the recipient is a child. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) encourages shoppers to keep safety in mind while searching for the best holiday deals.
Safety Considerations
When buying for a young child either in-person or online, always check for potential hazards. Look on the packaging or for information posted online about product warnings and age grading. Taking a few moments to review labels might reveal:
A suggested minimum age or age range for using the product
Small parts, sharp edges, magnets, and other choking or suffocation hazards
Flame resistance (especially important for toys with fabrics)
Safety verification from ASTM International, including:
Art materials with ASTM D4236 labeling
Toys that meet ASTM F963 safety standards
Don’t rely on labeling alone. Examine products before purchasing to identify any potential unlabeled hazards such as projectiles, small batteries, and the risk of breaking/splintering. Toys can sometimes present unexpected danger. Even if your gift will be given to an older child, ask yourself whether a younger child who also lives in the household might access it. Lastly, consider including safety gear with your gift, like a helmet with a bike or scooter.
“Out of Stock” Fake Website Scammers
Every year, many consumers face the common struggle of finding the year’s most popular toys still in stock. If your search takes you online, be aware that scammers may take advantage of your gift-giving spirit. Be cautious of unfamiliar websites and sellers, and verify familiar websites are really the platform they appear to be – especially if they advertise popular products at uncommonly low prices. Fake and imposter websites use these tactics to trick you into “buying” an out-of-stock product, but chances are you won’t receive anything and will just send money and your payment information to a scammer. If you do receive something, it will likely be of questionable quality compared to the original item you were seeking to purchase.
Never enter your payment information before confirming a website is legitimate and be skeptical of third-party sellers of otherwise out-of-stock items. For unfamiliar sites: Check third-party reviews and search the website name along with the words “scam” or “fraud.” For popular sites: Verify there are no spelling errors or unusual phrasing in the web address that could indicate a website is being impersonated. It is best to use your credit card to protect your purchase. If you are tricked, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company.
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