As John Lennon so beautifully resonated, “So This Is Christmas, and a Happy New Year…Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.”

Well, “fear” is something that unfortunately we need to keep in mind not only during this Christmas and Hanukkah season, but all through the year as there are people out there who want to hurt us…and I am not talking about terrorists, but scam artists looking to hurt us in our pocketbooks…especially during the holidays.

With this in mind, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois has issued a warning to consumers of 12 common scams during the Christmas season. “Each year at Christmas consumers lose millions of dollars to scam artist who rip them off,” says their President and CEO, Steven J. Bernas.

So here they are, as per the BBB. The 12 Scams of Christmas for 2015:

1) Look-alike websites: Be sure you’re shopping online on legitimate websites. The BBB says to watch out for URLS that use the names of well-known brands, long with extra words.

2) Fake shipping notifications: Be careful when clicking links in shipping notification emails, and always verify the shipping company before giving out any personal information.3) Phony charities: It’s the season of giving, but make sure to research and double check charities and their site URLs. BBB.org offers guidance when seeking out a charity to donate to.

4) Stolen credit card information: As you should do throughout the year, carefully watch your credit card statements to make sure you recognize all the charges. If there are unknown charges, your information may have been stolen or you may have been part of a data breach.

5) Smartphone scammers: Malware can access your smartphone through apps. Be sure to download only official payment and personal security apps.

6) Viral E-cards: Avoid malware by verifying that e-cards are from someone you know and are from a trustworthy website.

7) Free gift cards: Ads or emails offering free gift cards are just a ploy to get your personal information, which can be used for identity theft.

8) Social media gift exchange: Buying one gift and getting 36 in return may sound like a great deal, but it’s just a newer variation on a pyramid scheme and is illegal.

9) Unusual forms of payment: Beware of anyone asking you to pay for holiday purchases using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, or third parties as those payments cannot be traced or undone. Use a credit card on a secure website whose URL begins with “https” (the “s” is for “secure”) and displays a lock symbol in your browser address bar.

10) Phone scams: Be suspicious of phone calls from people who claim your computer is infected and say they need your information to fix it. Likewise, be suspicious of any utility company or bank calling and asking for personal information and prepaid debit card payments for supposedly overdue balances or account problems.

11) Letters from Santa: A number of trusted companies offer personalized letters from Santa, but scammers often mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents. Visit BBB.org for a list of companies offering legitimate Santa letters.

12) Free USB drives: Beware of free USB drives in giveaways; they are an easy way for hackers to spread malware.

Friends, by no means should we allow folks like this to dampen our holidays, or instill fear in our hearts as we celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year” with our friends and loved ones. However these are the times that we live in, and we should always remain vigilant and cautious throughout the year and never let our guard down when it pertains to protecting ourselves and those whom we love.

By the way, John Lennon wrote that song in 1971, because he said he was tired of hearing “White Christmas.”
So from my family to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a most happy and healthy New Year! May God bless you, and keep us all safe, for many years to come!

Ciao for now, and see you next year!

Michael Loguercio is the Regional Director for Advantage Partners Inc.; and has been active in the insurance industry since 1978 as a licensed insurance broker and an insurance technology professional.
He is an active Past President of the Young Insurance Professionals of New York State, current ACT/AUGIE, Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York State, and Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater New York committee member.
NY-YIP/PIA has honored Michael with a “Distinguished Service” award in 2001; “Insurance Professional of The Year” award in 2009; “Lifetime Achievement” award in 2012; and “Special Service” awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In his community, Michael is the Councilman for the 4th District in The Town of Brookhaven, NY; is the Immediate Past President and current member of the Longwood Central School District Board of Education on Long Island, NY since 2004; is a Director on the board of REFIT NY (Reform Educational Financing Inequities) and is a member of The Middle Island, NY, Rotary Club; Central Brookhaven Lion’s Club; and Ridge, NY, Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. He also served two terms on his Church’s vestry, and in 2013 he was awarded the SCOPE “Community Service” award for his dedication to the public.
Michael is a regular Contributor to the Insurance Advocate since 2008, and may be contacted at 631-345-9359 or MichaelL@apagents.com You may also follow him on Twitter @MLoguercioJr; and on Facebook @ Michael Anthony Loguercio Jr.