Online holiday shopping scams growing, report shows 82% of consumers victim of fraud

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Online holiday shopping scams are growing and it’s not just the elderly who are the most vulnerable.

A new AARP report shows 82% of consumers have been victims of fraud this year.

The most common during the holidays are gift card scams, counterfeit products, and fake delivery of promised items.

While the elderly are often seen as the most susceptible, younger consumers between the ages of 18-24 are losing the most money to scams.

“Younger people are falling for employment scams which don’t necessarily cost as much as an investment scam. An employment scam often involves working from home and they are offered a job. They may work for a month and not get paid,” said Kristen Johnson, Better Business Bureau, CT.

“When you see something offered for free, forget about it. When you see a charity soliciting online or by phone, check it out. Or someone offers to deliver something to your home, be there so they don’t just leave it on your doorstep,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal, (D), CT.

During the holidays, check out a company’s website and do some research before you buy something.

When it comes to older consumers, investment scams are the most common.

To look up investment advisors, CLICK HERE. The BBB urges people to report scams or look them up at bbb.org/scamtracker.

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