As more people spend time online and shop during the holiday season, scammers are also getting more active. In Idaho, online fraud took over $33 million from residents last year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
To help raise awareness, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, Josh Hurwit, and local law enforcement have launched a campaign called “Don’t Click December” to remind people to be cautious about online scams.
Anyone with a phone or computer can fall victim to these scams. Scammers often target people shopping for gifts, donating to charities, or spending more time online. Some common scams include:
- Fake tech support: A pop-up on a computer tells you to call a number, but it leads to a scammer who tries to steal your personal information.
- Fake QR codes: Scammers put up fake QR codes that lead to websites asking for personal details.
- Cryptocurrency investment scams: Victims are tricked into investing in fake cryptocurrency opportunities that promise big returns, only for the scammers to steal their money.
To avoid falling for scams, it’s important to stay calm and think carefully. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to make people act quickly and without thinking. Hurwit advises people to take a moment, breathe, and slow down before responding to any unsolicited messages or pop-ups.
If you do become a victim of a scam, it’s crucial to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible. Reporting the crime quickly gives authorities a better chance to recover lost money.
“There’s no shame in being scammed, and the sooner you report it, the better the chance we have of getting your money back,” Hurwit said.