As the holiday season approaches, the risk of falling victim to scams increases significantly, especially with the rise of online shopping. A recent AARP report highlights that 82% of U.S. consumers have encountered holiday fraud in some form. Scammers often target unsuspecting shoppers, particularly older adults, with tactics ranging from gift card scams to identity theft. Experts like Stephen Robert, CEO of Bedrock Credit America, emphasize the importance of sticking to familiar vendors and conducting regular credit checks to monitor for any unauthorized activity. Consumers are urged to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and to report any fraudulent activity to credit bureaus or the Federal Trade Commission. With scams costing individuals over $3.4 billion in 2023 alone, it is crucial for shoppers to remain vigilant and seek professional assistance if they suspect identity theft or financial exploitation.
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