The FBI and the IRS emit new urgent warnings on vacation scams and how to avoid them
Two high -level agencies want you to know that your money or personal information could be in danger.
THE holiday season Put many of us in the spirit of sharing. But if you are looking to give your loved ones this winter, be careful not to inadvertently give the crooks. The crooks know that this is the right time to capitalize on the efforts of donations and the charity of people, and they are not afraid to use your Christmas joy against you. Now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) both share new urgent warnings on vacation scams. Read the rest to find out how you can avoid becoming a victim.
In relation: If a caller asks you one of these questions, hang up immediately, those responsible warn .
The FBI warns scams by gift card.
In an interview Fox 5 Atlanta , the local branch of the city's FBI warned that the increase in scams could put people on hundreds of dollars this winter.
"These are huge numbers that we look at," Jenna Sellitto said a spokesperson for FBI Atlanta. "People must be aware where they are shopping, where they put their credit cards."
In a separate interview with Atlanta News, Sellitto said that many crooks will try to Use the gift cards To swindle people during the holidays.
"They leave the store with them, remove aluminum foil and get the numbers in the back. They enter this number in a database. Then they bring back the gift cards," she said
Once you buy a fraudulent gift card and put money, thieves are alerted and can wipe the balance.
In relation: 8 vacation scams to watch, the FBI says in a new warning .
And the IRS offers a wider warning.
It's not just your hard earned money you need to worry about during the holiday season. In a November 27 press release , the IRS has issued an alert on how criminals could also try to get their hands on your personal information at the moment. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"While the approach of the holidays and the tax season, this special week stresses that we are entering a period when taxpayers must be very cautious by protecting their sensitive financial and personal information," said the IRS commissioner Danny Werfel said in a press release.
According to the agency, crooks use "scams and systems" which are designed to steal your personal, financial and tax information.
"Identity thieves are looking for means of playing Grinch and stealing taxpayers who can help them steal identities and produce declarations of fraudulent income," said Werfel. "The IRS and the security summit continue to work to strengthen our internal systems, but taxpayers and tax professionals form a first line of critical defense against identity thieves by obtaining their tax and financial information."
In relation: The FBI issues a new warning on the latest scams designed to "steal your money".
There are several ways to protect your money.
Certain money flight plans, such as those involving gift cards, really accelerate during the holidays, according to the FBI. The best way to avoid falling victim is what you should watch for these drawbacks.
"When you look at the gift cards, check them, check them for physical falsification," Sellitto told Atlanta News. Those who have been compromised could look like "part of it was scratched or it is not there", according to the FBI agent.
In a previous alert About the gift card schemes, the FBI also advised consumers to cross-check the barcode number of the gift card with the number on the packaging itself to ensure that it corresponds.
"Do not buy if the barcode is on a sticker, or if the package is torn, wrinkled, folded or falsified," added the agency.
You must also take additional measures to ensure the safety of your personal information.
Your personal information is the most at risk when shopping online or click on emails and SMS, "especially during the holiday season when criminals are active", according to IRS. To help you ensure safe when looking for gifts this winter, the agency said there were several additional steps you need to take with your technology.
"Buy sites where the web address begins with" https ", said the IRS. "The 'S' was intended for secure communications and search for the padlock icon in the browser window."
The agency said you should also avoid shopping on "unsecured public Wi-Fi", which can be found in places such as shopping centers or restaurants. And make sure that your devices and those of family members less informed of technology are able to manage potential threats.
"Keep security software for computers, tablets and mobile phones updated. Make sure antivirus software for computers have functionality to stop malware, and there is an activated firewall Who can prevent intrusions. "Warned the FBI. "Using solid and unique passwords for online accounts, [and] use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. It helps prevent thieves from easily hacking accounts."
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