(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tammie Colling of the Northfield Township Police Department for the information in this story.)
As more holiday shopping is being done through the internet, the Northfield Township Police would like to remind residents and community members to be cautious when making their purchases.
- When buying from an on line classified ad or auction sale – Always use a legitimate payment service never provide credit card, bank account numbers or any financial information directly to the seller.
- Buy gift cards from authorized retail merchants, not independent parties as they may have been obtained fraudulently, and may be deactivated by the merchant.
- Beware of bargain emails, text messages, or postings offering “one day only” promotions. Again, scammers entice folks with name brand bargains that may take the shopper to fraudulent sites.
- Beware of links attached to unsolicited bargain messages. Do not open the link. To determine if the deal is real, log on directly to the official business website, there you should be able to receive the same bargain.
- Do not fall prey to “urgent” emails. Those attempting to “Scam” will use aggressive, emergency tactics to cause many to act without thinking; often giving up very personal information.
- Do not open links for free stuff. Business giveaways have become a popular way to transmit malware or phish for banking/personal information. Malware can hunt for banking and personal information on your computer – allowing you to become the next identity victim
- The Better Business Bureau currently is warning not to download an attached coupon from Pizza Hut as it comes with malware attached. Claiming to be celebrating its’ 55th anniversary the Phishing Scam offers free pizza by downloading an attached coupon. Do not download, you will not receive a coupon, but will be downloading malware.
