FBI warns public of holiday-related scams targeting shoppers, donors NBC Bay Area [Video]

Criminals are exploiting the holiday season to perpetrate scams against shoppers and donors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation San Francisco said, and people need to be vigilant.

“Criminals don’t take holidays off,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp said in a press release. “We’re seeing scammers employing aggressive and creative schemes to take advantage of the season’s generosity and high online shopping activity.”

The scams involve online shopping, charity, cryptocurrency investment, gift cards and social media, according to the FBI.

Online shopping schemes include fraudulent websites or ads offering goods at unrealistic discounts, items purchased through third-party marketplaces using stolen credit cards or accounts and puppy scams involving fake advertisements for pets, with losses reported at $5.6 million so far this year, the FBI said.

People should be on the lookout for fake charities soliciting donations through phone calls, emails, crowdfunding platforms, and social media. Also, copycat organizations create …