State officials offer tips to avoid holiday-themed scams
NASHVILLE — State officials are urging consumers to be on the lookout for holiday-themed scams.
“Scammers use the holidays as a chance to prey on people’s better natures,” Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini states in a release. “They will use any means necessary to get what they want from you. Don’t become a victim of scammers during the holidays.”
Below are tips from the TDCI to help avoid falling prey to a holiday scammer.
- Be suspicious of anyone requiring you to send money with prepaid money cards.
- Pay as often as you can with a major credit card offering fraud protection.
- Before donating, check to see if the charity is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
- If contacted by phone about making a donation, avoid being pressured to make an immediate donation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to get more information.
- Donate to charities that you trust and are well-established.
- Never write out a check or give cash to an individual solicitor. Write out checks to the name of the organization or use a credit card.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more consumer tips, visit www.tn.gov/consumer.
