Boston Police Warn of Holiday Charity, Phishing, Puppy Scams
As the holiday season approaches, Boston law enforcement officials are warning the public about a spike in phishing, charity, and pet scams. Scammers are posing as trusted companies to offer…
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As the holiday season approaches, Boston law enforcement officials are warning the public about a spike in phishing, charity, and pet scams. Scammers are posing as trusted companies to offer fake giveaways or claim account issues to steal personal data.
Phishing Scams
Phishing tactics include fraudulent emails with awkward formatting, grammar issues, and altered sender addresses. Recipients should avoid clicking suspicious links or visiting unfamiliar sites and treat unexpected messages with caution.
Charity Scams
Charity scams imitate real organizations to extract sensitive information. To avoid becoming a victim, individuals should verify charities via BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar.
Puppy Scams
Puppy scams are prevalent online. The Better Business Bureau estimates that up to 80% of sponsored pet ads may be fraudulent, often using stolen photos and fake listings. For pet purchases, run reverse image searches on ads, check typical breed pricing, and insist on meeting the animal in person before completing a transaction.
If you or a loved one has become a victim of a scam, the police offer the following resources:
- Victims are encouraged to file a police report with their local Boston area station.
- If the scammers obtained your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov.
- For additional reporting, victims can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
