Arkansans should be weary of the Secret Santa, or Secret Sister, scam on social media once again this year. The scam requests users send relatively inexpensive gifts to others, in exchange for the promise of receiving gifts.
At the very least, participants will send gifts without getting anything in return. At worst, scammers use personal information posted on social media to participate, often leading to identity theft, according to a news release from Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“The Secret Santa scam often starts with a scammer posting a request for friends to participate, which is then innocently shared and re-posted over and over by linked friends,” Rutledge said. “But this innocent request can be a dangerous scam and open Arkansans up to identity theft.”
Rutledge released the following tips for consumers to avoid this holiday scam:
• Consumers should never disclose their personal information to an unknown entity unless they know it to be a trusted source as such disclosures could result in identity theft or the opening of other accounts in their name.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• It is unlikely that a consumer will actually receive gifts in response to such a scheme; thus, if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Consult the terms of use for Facebook and other forms of social media as they may prohibit schemes like this one.
• Review guidance available from the U.S. Postal Service because it may be illegal.
• Consumers should safeguard their banking and personal, financial information in order to prevent financial losses due to scams.
• When using the internet, consumers should ensure that they are using a verified, secure, and encrypted website when sharing any personal or financial information online.
Details: Arkansas Attorney General’s office, 800-482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.