‘Tis the season to look out for scammers!

This holiday season we hope you have lots of time to focus on time with loved ones, baking cookies, playing in the snow, and all of the other fun things that come with this time of year.  We don’t want to put a damper on any of that fun…but unfortunately this time of year is also when scammers like to do their dirtiest work.

Luckily, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection puts together comprehensive information each year to help you know what to look out for and get back to your holiday fun. 

You can get the full information, including printable PDF documents, on the Department’s website here.   As an overview, here are some things to be aware of. 

(Remember, if something seems fishy, members can always call SAIL at 608-230-4321 or e-mail us at info@sailtoday.com and we can help you look into the situation!)

Charity Scams: Scammers use high-pressure pitches to get scams for fake charities.  You can look up a charity to see if it’s legit at guidestar.org.

Gift Cards: Beware of offers of free gift cards in exchange for your personal information like phone number or e-mail.  You should also inspect any gift cards you buy to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with, and check for hidden fees.  

Online Shopping: Online sites are getting really good at enhancing their security, but some retailers are finding new ways to get personal information from shoppers, so it’s best to make sure the site is legitimate before buying. 

Shipping Scams: E-mails containing fake information about a package coming to you can actually contain viruses.  Keep an eye out for anything that seems suspicious! 

And that’s just a few things. Ack! Seems like a lot to keep track of.  Luckily the DATCP website is very very detailed.  Just spending some time reading it over can help you make sure you don’t get scammed, and then you can get back to your holiday fun!

Members: Don’t forget to contact SAIL if you’re unsure about something! Trust your gut and have us look into it.  We’re here to help and it’s best to be safe! 608-230-4321 or info@sailtoday.org.