Holiday Shoppers Warned About Scams as Christmas Approaches in Columbia

Holiday Shoppers in Columbia: Beware of Scammers!

Columbia, S.C. — With Christmas just a few weeks away, the festive season is in the air, and many folks are diving headfirst into their holiday shopping. While the season is meant for joy, it’s important to keep your guard up as the Grinch isn’t the only one trying to sneak away with your hard-earned money. Yup, you guessed it—scammers are lurking, and they are ready to pounce!

Local Business Struggles in a Changing Market

Paul Goff, the manager of Salty’s Board Shop in Columbia, has seen many changes over his 20 years in business. The shop is known for selling and repairing skateboards, snowboards, and various apparel brands—but this year, there’s an unmistakable shift in shopping habits. Although there are still plenty of customers rolling through the doors, Goff notes that more people are opting to shop online.

“This year has been a tough year,” said Goff. “It’s rare to see local stores anymore and it’s just becoming a lot more challenging.” This changing dynamic not only affects his business but also presents a unique set of challenges as many shoppers turn to the convenience of the internet for gifts. While online shopping has its perks, it can come with its own set of troubles—especially relating to security.

Scammers Are Busy This Holiday Season

Chris Hadley, the CEO of the Better Business Bureau, explained that a particularly common holiday scam involves fake delivery text messages. Picture this: you receive a text that claims to be from a company you just ordered from, with a link to track your package. Sounds convenient, right? But wait—don’t click that link!

“Dear customer, you’ve ordered something and there’s a link for you to click on,” Hadley warned. “But if you click on that link, you might be in for a nasty surprise.” These fake messages often come from bogus phone numbers or email addresses. “We’re really urging folks just to delete those,” Hadley added. “Do not click on them. Always verify directly with the company you ordered from.”

The Social Media Shopping Trap

Shopping isn’t just confined to traditional online marketplaces anymore; social media has also emerged as a popular shopping venue. But Hadley warns that misleading ads frequently pop up, leaving customers disappointed. “Facebook is a great place to share pictures with your grandkids,” he quipped, “but when it comes to shopping through ads, you may end up receiving either cheap goods or, worse yet, nothing at all.”

Support Local, Stay Safe!

So what’s the take away from all this? Goff believes that shopping locally can make a big difference. “Supporting local businesses greatly helps not only the stores but the staff who work there,” he emphasized. Plus, local shops can offer a more secure shopping experience compared to unverified websites.

This holiday season, remember to keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you! Whether you’re out in the shops looking for that perfect gift or browsing online, be sure to verify and double-check. It can save you from a whole lot of holiday stress and keep your spirit of giving intact. 🎄Happy Shopping!