OKLAHOMA CITY Attorney General John O’Connor is urging Oklahomans to use caution when making purchases and donations this holiday season to avoid scams and fraud.
“As we enter another exciting holiday season, I want to make sure Oklahomans are prepared with the latest consumer protection tips to help ensure safe, joyful festivities and shopping,” said General O’Connor. “Scam artists view the holiday season as an opportune time to take advantage of consumers, which is why it is more important than ever to take precautions to protect yourself and your money. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is.”
The FBI’s 2021 Internet Crime Report found losses due to cybercrime exceeded $6.9 billion in the United States last year. The report noted 4,156 Oklahomans made complaints to the FBI and lost more than $50 million.
According to AARP, 78% of Oklahomans have been targeted by or experienced at least one form of fraud in the past.
Attorney General O’Connor’s Consumer Protection Unit is offering the following tips to protect Oklahomans and their families this holiday season:
• Buygiftcardsfor gifts, not for payments. If someone contacts you and demands that you pay them with a gift card, it is likely a scam. Report gift card scams directly with the card issuer.