State senator offers holiday scam warning
Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday also encourages state residents to be careful with last-minute buying.
With a week until Christmas and last-minute shopping peaking across the Mon Valley, state officials are urging residents to slow down before clicking “buy” and stay alert for scams that tend to surge during the final days of the holiday rush.
Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-37, whose district includes parts of the Mon Valley, said scammers are quick to take advantage of busy shoppers hunting for deals, tracking packages or responding to donation requests.
“Online shopping makes life easier, but it also creates new opportunities for bad actors,” Robinson said. “Before clicking a link or entering payment information, take a moment to verify the source. That simple step can make all the difference.”
According to Robinson and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, some of the most common holiday scams include bait-andswitch sales, skimming devices placed on card readers, fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate retailers and fake messages posing as delivery companies or banks.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, who oversees the Bureau of Consumer Protection, said his office expects scammers to remain active through the remainder of the holiday season as consumers juggle crowded schedules and financial pressures.
“Every holiday season brings a wave of scams, and we expect the same this year,” Sunday said. “Stay vigilant — if a deal seems too good to be true, take a moment to verify and consult a trusted family member. If you encounter a scam, report it. A prompt report plays a crucial role in helping us crack down on scammers.”
Sunday advised residents to stick with trusted retailers when shopping online and to be cautious of websites that closely resemble well-known brands.
Some fraudulent sites, officials say, are designed to steal credit card and personal information and may even appear as sponsored results on search engines.
Sunday also warned consumers to think carefully SCAM WARNING •A2
“Online shopping makes life easier, but it also creates new opportunities for bad actors.”
SEN. DEVLIN ROBINSON about how they pay.
Requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, money orders or gift cards — especially for things like bills, parking tickets or fees — are common scam tactics and should raise immediate red flags.
Shoppers using “Buy Now, Pay Later” services are encouraged to read agreements carefully, as some programs include hidden fees, penalties or high interest rates if payments are missed.
“Do not let the bustle of the holiday season bring your guard down — scammers see this time of year as prime time to steal and defraud,” Sunday said. “If you find yourself in a situation where things don’t seem quite right, or too good to be true, stop and think it over before clicking pay.”
Officials also cautioned residents to protect their personal information and avoid sharing Social Security numbers or bank account details.
Unexpected emails or text messages claiming to be from delivery services, banks or retailers should be treated with skepticism, particularly if the recipient did not initiate contact.
Pet-related scams are another concern during the holidays.
State officials urge families considering a pet as a gift to thoroughly research sellers and avoid complex financing offers with high interest rates.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Provision is designed to ensure consumers know their new dog has a clean bill of health.
Sunday said scammers often target seniors and others who may be less familiar with online shopping and digital risks. He encourages families to talk openly with loved ones about common scam tactics.
Residents who believe they have been scammed are encouraged to report the incident to their local police department and contact their credit card company immediately to dispute any fraudulent charges.
Residents can file a complaint by visiting attorneygeneral. gov and selecting the Scams Complaint Form or by calling 717-787-3391.
