During this season of joy, you can't let your guard down against scammers. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about fraudulent websites that promise a personalize letter from Santa but don't deliver.
The consumer agency says consumers might receive an email promoting a "Handwritten Letter from Santa to Your Child". When you click the link it takes you to a website promising an "official" nice-list certification and customized letter from Santa. Sadly, the letter never comes. You will lose the $19.99 that you paid for the package, and the scammers will also have your credit card information.
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The Better Business Bureau points out there are legitimate companies that offer letters from Santa and other products. It warns consumers to do their homework to make sure they're using a legitimate site and not falling victim to a scam.
The Better Business Bureau says there are legitimate businesses that sell letters from Santa. One of those businesses in a Michigan company. The business that helps is called Package from Santa and has been in business for eight years. So, if you're interested in that type of product, do your homework, find a reliable company to do business with, and don't get scammed.
How To Protect Yourself, Spot Holiday Scams
1) Resist calls for immediate action. This advice holds true during the holidays and all year long! Never let someone rush you into paying for a product. It's always a red flag that something could be wrong.
2) Hover over links in emails to check their source. Scammers will try to make links look legitimate, but if you hold your cursor over the link, the true destination will appear.
3) Try to verify website contact information. Make sure any company's website has contact information that really works. Is there a physical address? Does the customer service phone number really work? Check before you order. The BBB also suggests searching GoDaddy.com or Whois.net to see if the contact information matches the information on the site.
4) Do your research. You can do a simple internet search to see if complaints come up about the business. Or check the Better Business Bureau website.
5) Make sure you pay through a secure connection. When entering credit card information online be sure that the URL starts with "HTTPS" and has a padlock icon in the browser bar.
6) Watch for poor grammar and spelling. Scam emails and websites tend to have more typos.