EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As the holiday season ramps up, authorities are cautioning online shoppers to be vigilant against scams. The FBI warns that scammers are exploiting the rush of last-minute gift buying, with many individuals falling victim to fraudulent schemes. “Individuals will get scammed out of money, they will order things online and not receive the actual product, or they will receive something that is completely different from what they had initially ordered,” said Kimberly Carrillo, an FBI spokesperson.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Clint PD warns of scam calls impersonating police chief, urges caution with personal info<\/a><\/p>\n The FBI in El Paso advises extra caution this season, noting an increase in scams targeting online purchases. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlights three major scams: delivery scams, fake charities, and seasonal job scams. Delivery scams often appear as texts or emails claiming issues with a package, prompting recipients to click a link to confirm details. Fake charities use urgent messages to solicit donations through untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Seasonal job scams may require upfront payments for training or supplies.<\/p>\n Carrillo advises those targeted by scams to act quickly and document everything, including screenshots and copies of communications. “Most definitely try to take screenshots, copies of whether it’s the website you went to, the email you received, the phone number that called, the QR code you received, because again, scams take multiple forms,” she said.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: El Paso airport prepares for Thanksgiving rush as millions travel nationwide<\/a><\/p>\n The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reports a common scam involving calls about active warrants, demanding payment through apps or wire transfers. “We will not call you and ask you to make a payment to an app or do wire transfer,” said Oscar Ugarte from the Sheriff’s Office. “If you get a call like that, make sure to call the Sheriff\u2019s Office and verify and speak to an actual deputy in person. Do not send any money online or a wire transfer.”<\/p>\n The FBI emphasizes that scams are often underreported, complicating efforts to identify trends and stop criminals. Consumers can report scams to the FBI by contacting their local law enforcement agency or through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. <\/a><\/p>\n