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FBI warns of holiday scams (Page 210)

The FBI Columbia Field Office is warning the public of common holiday scams ahead of the 2021 holiday season.

With seasonal shopping in full gear, criminals are set to look for opportunities to take advantage of consumers. The FBI is encouraging shoppers to be vigilant for scams that are designed to steal their money and personal information.

The two most prevalent holiday scams are non-delivery and non-payment crimes. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than17,000 complaints of non-delivery goods, resulting in over $53 million in losses during the 2020 holiday season.

“More than ever consumers are shopping online and using alternative payment methods, aside from cash,” said Susan Ferensic, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Criminals have adapted to the way we shop, and they work overtime to create elaborate schemes to steal from us.”

Some of the common holiday Scams FBI warns of are:
• Online shopping scams – Scammers offer deals through phishing emails or advertisements.
• Social media scams – Scammers use social media sites that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards. These scams often lead consumers to complete online surveys designed to steal personal information.
• Smartphone app scams – Scammers design mobile apps disguised as free games that steal personal information.
• Work-from-home scams – Scammers use websites and social media posts that offer working from home. Convenience is the attention grabber, but there may be fraudulent intentions.
• Gift card scams – Victims receive a spoofed email, call, or text asking them to purchase multiple gift cards for person or business reasons.
• Charity scams – Criminals set up false charities and profit from individuals who believe they are donating to legitimate organizations.

If you believe you are victim of a scam, contact your financial institution immediately. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency. Finally, victims should file a complaint with IC3 by visiting www.IC3.gov. For more information on holiday scams, visit www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.

FBI warns of holiday scams

2021-12-14
By: John
On: December 14, 2021
In: Community News

The FBI Columbia Field Office is warning the public of common holiday scams ahead of the 2021 holiday season. With seasonal shopping in full gear,Continue Reading

S.C. Floodwater Commission chair earns doctorate

2021-12-13
By: John
On: December 13, 2021
In: Community News

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, chairman of the S.C. Floodwater Commission, was formally “hooded,” officially receiving his Ph.D. during commencement ceremonies atContinue Reading

S.C. Arts Commission adds to growing team, service areas

2021-12-12
By: John
On: December 12, 2021
In: Community News

To strengthen constituent service as it expands grant and program offerings, the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is announcing the addition of four new membersContinue Reading

Nominations now being accepted for Tri-District Arts Consortium Summer Program

2021-12-12
By: John
On: December 12, 2021
In: Community News

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Tri-District Arts Consortium Summer Program. Middle school students who attend the public schools of Lexington One, Lexington-RichlandContinue Reading

Santa visits State Museum this Saturday

2021-12-09
By: John
On: December 9, 2021
In: Events

Guests are invited to meet Santa and get 50 percent off General Admission this Saturday, December 11 from 11 am – 3 pm. Guests andContinue Reading

S.C. Arts Commission selects five for Emerging Artist grant

2021-12-08
By: John
On: December 8, 2021
In: Community News

Up to $1,500 grant includes mentorship, more A ceramicist, a dancer, a painter and fiber and installation artists make up the five #SCartists receiving SouthContinue Reading

District Five hosts January 8 Virtual Teacher Recruitment Event

2021-12-08
By: John
On: December 8, 2021
In: Education

Lexington-Richland School District Five will hold its 2022 Teacher Recruitment Event on January 8 to give educators seeking employment in the district an opportunity toContinue Reading

Reading Gets Tasty at East Point Academy

2021-12-08
By: John
On: December 8, 2021
In: Education

Students devouring books? That was the scene when East Point Academy third grade teacher, Ms. Lester, held a “Book Tasting” in the school’s cafeteria completeContinue Reading

DEACON DIVERS train to build artificial reef off S.C. coast

2021-12-06
By: John
On: December 6, 2021
In: Community News, Natural Resources

Dr. Tom Mullikin, chairman of the S.C. Floodwater Commission, is pictured here with academics from Columbia International University (CIA), members of Malvern Hill Baptist ChurchContinue Reading

Stuff an Ambulance toy drive underway

2021-12-06
By: John
On: December 6, 2021
In: Events

For the fifth straight holiday season, Richland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) challenges residents to help the division Stuff an Ambulance with toys, clothing andContinue Reading

SCDMV returns to in-car road tests

2021-12-06
By: John
On: December 6, 2021
In: Community News

Due to decreasing numbers of coronavirus cases across the state, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is changing the way it offers regularContinue Reading

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