How to Save Big Bucks by Brown-Bagging Your Lunch

Did you know that choosing to bring your own lunch to work each day can save up to $3,000 a year? Each takeout lunch can easily cost $12 more than a homemade meal. If you’d put that money into an index fund and contribute to it for 25 years, you can save $500,000!

Unfortunately, too many people end up buying out each workday because they don’t realize how much it costs them, or they simply fail to plan ahead. Others may think it would be too much of a hassle to shop for, prep and bring along lunch from home.

You can use this handy calculator to determine how much you can personally save each year just by brown-bagging it to work each day. And, if you find the idea of prepping lunch five days a week a bit overwhelming, you can choose to bring lunch from home on specific days of the week.

Here are some hacks for brown-bagging it to work with all the savings and none of the hassle.

Plan your menu and shop for it early

Don’t get stuck staring at the contents of your fridge and wondering what to take to work seven minutes before you need to leave in the morning. Plan your lunch menu early in the week and add whatever you’ll need to your grocery list. To save even more, shop the sales and the seasons, and then base your lunch menu around those items.

Marathon-prep at the beginning of the week

The thought of prepping lunch at the end of a long workday when all you want to do is veg out on the couch can be daunting. Instead, hold a marathon session at the beginning of the week to do as much labor-intensive lunch prep as you can. Slice and dice all your veggies for the week, split dressing into small containers, cook your pastas, wash fruit and tackle any other prep that can be done in advance. This way, you’ll only need to grab what you need each day from the fridge instead of facing an entire meal to prep and package.

Partner up

It’s never easy to be the odd one out, and if you set yourself up to be the only one pulling out a homemade lunch while the rest of the office packs out to pick up lunch or orders in, you can end up giving up and joining the crowd. Try to find a like-minded partner to brown-bag it with you on the days you choose to bring lunch from home. Eat your lunches together; the companionship will make it easier for both of you to stick to your convictions.

Love your leftovers

Save even more money, and make lunch prep easier, by bringing dinner leftovers with you for lunch. You can repurpose a leftover protein to serve as a salad-topper or sandwich-stuffer, bring along a container of soup to warm up in the office microwave, or beef up your work lunch with some leftover rice, quinoa or another side dish.

Brown-bagging it to work when everyone else is ordering takeout isn’t easy, but by using the tips outlined here, you can save a boatload of money on work lunch without the hassle.

5 Gifts for Mom that Don’t Break the Budget

It’s time to show Mom how much she means to you! But… if the idea of Mother’s Day fills your brain with ideas of pricey chocolates, flowers and other gifts, along with a busted budget, you may be going about this the wrong way. Don’t fret, though. We can help! Here’s five ways you can show your mom how much you care without draining your wallet.

1. A customized journal

A beautiful notebook for journaling can make a wonderful gift for Mom. You can turn it into a more personalized gift by adding inspirational quotes she’ll enjoy, gluing dried and pressed flowers onto random pages and even adding some of your favorite snapshots of you and her.

2. For the coffee-lover

If your mom can’t start her morning without her favorite cup of Joe, which is always iced when it’s warm outside, consider purchasing a Cold Bruer for $80. For a less expensive gift, which can also be perfect for the coffee-loving mom, consider an adorable pair of coasters from Etsy or a mug with a snappy mom message, like this one from Amazon.

3. A day to remember

Why not gift Mom with the best gift of all: a day in the company of everyone she loves? Plan a family day with Mom at the center and include all of her favorite things, from delish meals to her favorite parks and walking trails.

4. Peace and quiet

If you’ll be presenting a gift to your partner and you’ve got some little ones at home, consider giving their mom a day to herself. Take the kids out for the day so she can enjoy a rare afternoon alone in a quiet, clean house.

5. A homemade creation

No one is as proud of the things you can create as much as your mom. Make something for her this Mother’s Day to show her just how much she means to you. It can be a homemade bath kit to help her relax, a full, nicely packaged meal of her favorite foods or even a scrapbook of your best shared moments.

Use the ideas shared here to help the mom in your life celebrate the best Mother’s Day without spending much money at all.

Don’t Get Caught in a QR Code Scam

Scammers are always dreaming up new ways to con people out of their money. Recently, they’ve figured out a “quick” way by hijacking QR codes. Here’s what to know about QR code scams and how to avoid them.

What’s a QR code?

Before we explore this scam, let’s get the skinny on QR codes. A QR code is a square barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone. It goes directly to a website or app. Businesses use QR codes for many reasons, like posting online menus, scanning coupons, processing payments and more.

How the scam plays out

In a QR code scam, a scammer replaces a legitimate QR code with their own. A target scans the bogus code thinking it’s legit. They make a payment for a transaction and, unfortunately, the target has sent their money right to the scammer. Often, the scam also gives the scammer access to the victim’s phone and information.

How to avoid a QR code scam

When scanning a QR code, practice basic safety measures. Check the URL that the QR code directs you to for common signs of a secure site, including a lock icon and an “s” after the “http”. If the webpage or app seems suspicious, get out. You can access the merchant’s payment portal by visiting their app or website directly. The FBI also advises against downloading an app from a QR code and/or downloading a QR code scanner app.

When using a QR code, look for these red flags:

The URL is different from the home site.
The QR code is posted on a public sign or notice that looks tampered with.
The site or app the code directs you to is full of typos.

If you were scammed

If you’ve used a QR code to pay for a transaction and then received an email from the company claiming you’ve never completed the payment, or that the payment failed, you may be the victim of a QR code scam. Let the real company know its QR code has been tampered with, call your financial institution, and alert the FTC.

Stay alert and stay safe!

Beware of Sport Ticket Scams

Sport ticket scams can make the best game go foul. Here’s what to know about these scams and how to avoid them.

How the scams play out

In a sport ticket scam, a target clicks on an online ad to buy tickets to a live sporting event. They enter their info and choose seats. Next, they’ll input their credit card info, complete the payment, and wait for confirmation. But the wait never ends! Unfortunately, the virtual tickets aren’t coming, and the seller has ghosted the victim. To make matters worse, the scammer now has the personal info and card details for more scamming shenanigans.

In another version of the sport ticket scam, the victim gets an e-ticket after completing the transaction. But this ticket is useless. It is either counterfeit with bogus barcodes and logos or a copy of an actual ticket that has already been sold to other buyers.

The dos and don’ts of purchasing sport tickets:

Do:

Buy the tickets using a credit card rather than a debit card, gift card, or cash.
Check out the seller before agreeing to the purchase.
Buy tickets at the venue box office.
Buy tickets from authorized brokers and third-party sellers after verifying their contact information.
Research the seller by looking for a safe website and a legitimate physical address and phone number.
Do a quick online search for negative reviews about the seller.
If the site requires a login and password, be sure to use a unique password.
Verify that the tickets have the correct date and time before confirming your purchase.

Don’t:

Don’t wire money to pay for tickets.
Don’t pay for a ticket from an unknown reseller before seeing it.
Don’t meet a private ticket seller alone or in a low-traffic area.
Don’t trust online search results for ticket sellers without researching each one well.

If you’ve been scammed

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a sport ticket scam, there are steps to take to mitigate the damage and to help stop the scammers. First, if you’ve paid with a credit card, be sure to dispute the charge, cancel the card and ask to be issued a new one. Next, report the incident to the FTC. Finally, let your family and friends know about your experience to help them avoid becoming a victim.

Stay alert and stay safe!

What to Buy and What to Skip in February

Are you looking to snag some bargain buys this month? We’ve got you covered! Here’s what to buy and what to skip this February.

Buy: TVs

Whether you’re a diehard football fan or love to binge watch, you can pick up fantastic deals on big-screen TVs in February. These sales often continue through President’s Day and may even run until the end of the month.

Skip: Flowers

Flowers have their big day in mid-February, but that doesn’t mean fresh blooms are discounted this month. In fact, you’re better off skipping flowers in February and finding another way to express your love.

Buy: Winter gear

Retailers generously mark down winter gear this month as they make room for the spring stock. Prices on sporting equipment, like skis and snowboards, can be slashed by up to 30%. You can find winter clothing discounted by as much as 80%!

Skip: Electronics

Aside from TVs, you’ll want to skip all major electronic buys this month. You’re better off purchasing them during Black Friday sales in November. If you can’t wait that long, you can also pick up great deals on electronics during “Black Friday in July” events.

Buy: Furniture

Pick up some beautiful new furniture at great prices during Presidents Day sales, which can run for a full week or two. Be sure to check out prices at several stores before splurging on a big-ticket item since prices on furniture can vary between retailers.

Skip: Fitness equipment and gym memberships

Fitness equipment and gym memberships are at their lowest in January to attract the hordes of people seeking to get fit in the New Year. By February, markdowns on workout gear and promotional offers on gym memberships are gone – and you won’t see them again until warmer weather sets in.

Buy: Jewelry

During the second half of February, prices on jewelry plunge up to 80%. Hold onto your bargain-priced jewel buys until Mother’s Day, your love partner’s birthday or your shared anniversary.

Find more financial tips by visiting our blog and following our social media pages!

How Can I Save on Super Bowl Sunday?

Q: How can I save big on costs when hosting a party for the big game on Super Bowl Sunday?

A: Super Bowl parties are always great fun, but hosting costs can add up just like Jonathan Taylor piling on the rushing yards. So, we’ve put together some hacks to help you pull off the party of a lifetime without breaking your budget.

Don’t fumble the decor

Keep the decor simple with free printables of your team’s logo from sites like Pinterest, and by choosing party goods in your team colors instead of branded items. You might also hit the dollar store to score some fun football-themed party supplies.

Tackle the food together

Ask your guests to help with the food coverage. You can go potluck and have everyone bring one dish, order takeout and split the bill or set up a spreadsheet with all the menu items and have each guest choose one to bring along.

Skip the Super Bowl platters

Fast-food chains and grocery stores aggressively advertise “game day platters” ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, but these are rarely worth the cost. Instead, make your own for a fraction of the price and just a few minutes of work. You can slap together some extra-long hero sandwiches and cut them up for an easy sub platter. For your health-conscious guests, slice up everyone’s favorite veggies and add a dip for a low-cost veggie platter.

Save on pizza

If you’re going with a pizza party, consider doing it partially homemade by picking up some frozen pies at a great price from your local grocery store. Just pop them in the oven before the party. If you want it hot-from-the-pizza-store fresh, reach out to a few local pizza places ahead of time to see if they’ll be offering any specials, and see who’s offering the best deal.

Consider your lineup

When setting up your buffet, place more affordable items at the head of the line. These are typically grabbed first, and putting them front and center, with the pricier stuff in the back, will help to ensure you don’t run out of any buffet item too quickly or blow your budget on one pricey food.

Use the tips outlined above to keep costs down while throwing a Super Bowl party that’s fit for champions.

12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 1: How to Track Your Spending

Tracking your spending is the first step toward greater financial awareness and overall financial health. But mastering this skill is easier said than done. How can you track every dollar you spend when you make multiple daily purchases?

We’ve outlined how to track your spending in 3 easy steps.

1. Choose your tools

Tracing every dollar’s journey isn’t easy, but with the right tools you can make it quick and simple. Choose from one of the following money-tracking techniques:

Budgeting apps. If your life happens on your phone, download a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint to help track your spending. Both apps allow you to allocate a specific monthly amount of money for each spending category and enable you to track your spending with just a few clicks.
Spreadsheet. If you like to see everything spelled out clearly, a spreadsheet might be a good choice. You’ll need to record every transaction, but if you prepare the sheet with all the spending categories you think you’ll need, it shouldn’t take long.
The envelope system. If you’re a big cash spender, consider withdrawing the cash you think you’ll spend in a month and keeping it in an envelope for each category. When you need to make a purchase, just use money from the envelope.
Receipts. Hold onto every receipt from the purchases you make this month to help you track your spending.
Pencil and paper. Recording each purchase the old-fashioned way can help you make more mindful money choices throughout the day.

2. Review your checking account and credit card statements carefully

Along with one of the tools listed above, you can track the purchases you make with plastic by reviewing your monthly checking account and credit card statements. You can access these online by logging into your account and downloading.

3. Review and categorize your purchases

At the end of the month, use your chosen tool to review all the purchases you’ve made throughout the month. When completing this step, don’t forget to include any automated payments you rarely think about, such as subscription fees and insurance premiums.

Use the tips outlined here to successfully master the skill of tracking your spending.

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud this Holiday Season

With the holiday shopping season heading into its final frenzied stretch, scammers are in full force, taking advantage of busy shoppers. Protect yourself, and your cards, from fraud with these safety measures and preventative tips:

Monitor your credit

Stay alert and identify the first signs of fraud to your credit accounts by reviewing your credit card statements well. It’s also a good idea to sign up for alerts to be notified of unusual or large purchases made on your card.

Strengthen your passwords

Do each of your accounts have their own unique password? Are passwords strong, using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols as well as varied capitalization use? If any of your passwords use your personal information, like birth dates or street names, change them. They are easily guessed and then can be used to hack into multiple accounts and/or lead to identity theft. Strengthen any weak passwords now to prevent fraud.

Shop with caution

Only shop reputable sites and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders. To confirm a site’s security, look for the lock icon before the URL and the “s” after the “http.” Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are updated and choose a VPN (virtual private network) when using public Wi-Fi.

Keep your cards close

Don’t forget to take basic precautions with your credit cards, especially if you’ll be hitting a lot of shops before the holidays. Keep your card tucked into your wallet or purse. If you use a cardholder on your phone case, keep your phone in a safe place and make sure the card numbers are not easily visible. Finally, put your card away right after completing a purchase.

Take immediate action if there are signs of fraud

If you suspect your credit card has been used fraudulently, alert your issuer and financial institution immediately. Your old card will be canceled to prevent additional bogus charges and you’ll be issued a new one so you can complete your shopping. Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts as well.

Stay safe!

4 Scams to Watch Out for this Black Friday

Black Friday has traditionally been the day that ignites the holiday shopping season, sending masses of crowds through retailers across the nation. Unfortunately, it’s also a day that spawns a season of shopping scams.

Here are four scams to watch out for on Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season:

1. The Amazon Prime service fraud scam

In this ruse, a scammer posing as an Amazon representative, will call to notify a target about an alleged problem with their Prime account. The victim is prompted to download a tool onto their computer or mobile device so the caller can gain remote access for “helping them resolve the problem” at hand. They’ll then be instructed to log onto their banking account so the caller can be compensated for their time. Unfortunately, this will give the scammer free reign over the victim’s accounts.

2. Phishing emails

In these scams, the victim receives an email allegedly sent by Amazon or another large retailer, asking them to verify or update their account. Or, it might be to supposedly confirm an order. By using the link dropped into the email, the user will give their personal information directly to the scammer.

3. Delivery issues

Delivery scams generally take the form of a message appearing to be from UPS or another delivery service, informing the victim of a “delivery issue” with an order. They’ll be asked to confirm or update their info using a provided link. Doing so gives the scammer access to their financial information and opens the door to identity theft and more.

4. Non-delivery scam

This scam involves a purchased gift that never arrives. Unfortunately, the seller disappears after payment, leaving the victim with no way of notifying them about the no-show or for requesting a refund.

Avoid Black Friday scams

Never grant a stranger access to your device and/or accounts.
Don’t open links sent in emails from unverified contacts.
Never share sensitive information with an unknown contact.
Keep the privacy and spam settings on your devices at their strongest settings.
If you have an issue with an ordered item, contact the retailer directly through their site.
When shopping on a new site, look for a physical address, a customer service number and copy that’s free of spelling errors.

Stay safe!

8 Holiday Shopping Hacks to Help You Save Big This Season

Ready, set… charge! The holiday shopping season is here, and between inflated prices, the rising cost of gas and the urge to splurge, it can be tough to stick to your budget. Here are eight holiday shopping hacks to help keep your spending under control.

1. Make a list and check it twice

When you shop with a list in hand, and you’re careful to stick to it, you can make responsible shopping decisions instead of buying every shiny thing that catches your eye.

2. Compare prices

All it takes is a few quick clicks or taps to check if the item you want is available somewhere else, and for less. You can also use a price-checking app, like ShopSavvy, to make the search for the hottest deal.

3. Don’t shop alone

Grab a friend to help keep you on track as you shop. Share your budget with them, or let them know which gifts you’ll be looking for on this trip. Ask them to gently remind you to stay within budget and on-plan as you browse.

4. Take advantage of rebates and refunds

Want to get paid to shop? When you make a purchase through a rebate app, like Earny or Rakuten, you get cash back for every purchase you make.

5. Buy discounted gift cards

You can find discounted gift cards on sites, like Raise and CardCash, for big-name brands like Lowe’s, Starbucks, Amazon and more.

6. Shop with coupons

Before completing an online purchase, do a quick search of sites, like RetailMeNot, to check for available coupons that can bring down the price. You can also use a browser extension, like Honey, which will automatically find and apply coupons while you shop.

7. Shop early

This year, with anticipated delivery delays and supply shortages, it’s best to tackle your holiday shopping early. Shopping with a clear head, and when the stores are well stocked, will make it easier to stick to your budget.

8. Buy electronics on Black Friday

The Black Friday deals you’ll find on TVs, laptops, audio equipment and other electronics will likely be the best you’ll find all year.

Follow the tips outlined above to save big on gift-shopping this year. A little low on holiday funds? Take advantage of our Holiday Loan Special until December 31^st, 2021!

Save Money When Shopping Online

It’s time to replace that rush you get from filling your virtual cart with the high that comes from saving a ton of money.

Get ready to transform the way you shop online.

Just. Wait.

Online retailers are experts at getting you to go from “I-gotta-have-it” to “It’s-on-the-way-to-my-house” quicker than you can say “buyer’s remorse.” Beat them at their own game by waiting a few days before completing a purchase. You may find you don’t really need that item after all. Also, retailers will often email a coupon for you to use for the “forgotten items” in your cart.

Outsmart dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing is that slightly freaky way retailers have of knowing just which products and in just which price range to show you. Outsmart dynamic pricing with these tips:

Clear your browsing history or shop incognito
Log out of your email and social media accounts
Choose localized websites of international brands

Time your purchases right

Sunday’s your day to score cheap airfare.

Bookworms, hit up Amazon and Barnes & Noble on Saturdays when they launch most of their book sales.

Shopping for a new computer? Wait for Tuesday. That’s when big retailers distribute coupons.

For most other purchases, it’s best to shop Wednesday-Friday for the best deals.

Layer coupons

Always use a promo code before a discount coupon. A promo code takes a specified percentage off your entire purchase, while a discount code takes off a dollar amount. If you do it the other way, you’ll save less money. Don’t believe us? Do the math. We’ll wait.

Ask for price-drop refunds

Don’t you hate it when you find out what you bought yesterday just price-dropped? The good news is that some companies offer a refund for newly discounted items if you notify them within a certain timeframe. That’s money back in your pocket. Sweet!

Use multiple emails for discounts

Many retailers offer one-time promo codes for new customers, but you can be a new customer more than once by using a different email address.

Don’t shop alone

We’re not talking human companionship here. It’s 2021. You should not be shopping online without the help of a money-saving app, like PriceGrabber, Rakuten, or RetailMeNot.

Online shopping just got cheap again!

What to Buy and What to Skip in August

Q: I’d love to get some great bargains as summer winds down. Which products go on sale in August and what should be pushed off for now?

A: The tail end of summer brings with it some fantastic finds, but some marked-up products, too. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in August.

Buy: Patio furniture

Pick up a sweet deal on patio furniture at the end of the season. While giving your patio a facelift, you’ll also find grills, outdoor decor and similar items on sale in August.

Skip: Major household appliances and mattresses

If you’re in the market for a major household purchase, you’re best off waiting until September. Retailers tend to slash prices on these items by 30% or more during Labor Day weekend sales.

Buy: Swimwear

Stores and online retailers need to clear their summer stock to make room for the autumn and winter line, which gives you the perfect chance to snag a super swimsuit deal! Stash your treasures for next year’s beach season or keep them for a winter getaway to warmer climates.

Skip: iPhones

If you’re looking to update your iPhone, you’re best off waiting a month or two. The new iPhone 13 is expected to be released in mid-September, and older models typically see a price cut when new models hit the market.

Buy: School supplies and kids’ clothing

August is already deep into the back-to-school shopping season, when school supplies and kids’ clothing tend to see generous markdowns. Stock up on supplies to last all year and get your kids outfitted for the coming season at rock-bottom prices.

Skip: TVs

Don’t run out and buy a new TV just yet. If you need a new flat screen, you’re best off waiting for Black Friday to get the best deal.

Buy: Office supplies and furniture

Back-to-school sales means you can also cash in on office supplies and furniture. Restock your home office with basic supplies, upgrade your office chair or spring for a new desk at bargain prices.

Skip: Fall clothing

Fall apparel will be just hitting the stores in August, so you likely won’t be seeing steep discounts on fall wear until October.

Beware Back to School Scams

Whether you’re a college student prepping for the fall semester, a high school student getting ready for a new school year or the parent of a student of any age, beware of these trending back-to-school scams!

The student tax scam

In this scam, a crook posing as the IRS calls a college-bound student claiming they didn’t pay the student tax. If it is not paid up and pronto, the “agent” says, the student will not be allowed to attend school. They may even threaten imprisonment.

Don’t get scammed! First, know that the “student tax” doesn’t exist. Second, the IRS will never initiate contact with a taxpayer through a phone call. Finally, the IRS will never demand payment through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer, which is a common scammer ploy.

Scholarship scams

The scholarship scam cons students and parents into paying money for government student loans or financial aid, or by promising a scholarship in exchange for a fee. Follow these rules to stay safe:

Never pay to apply for a government student loan or financial aid.
There’s no way to guarantee a scholarship or grant. If a company promises to get you approved for either one, it’s a scam.
There is generally no fee necessary to receive a scholarship.

School supply giveaways and freebies

Back-to-school shopping can cost a bundle. Messages promising a free back-to-school shopping spree can be welcomed if they’re legit. Unfortunately, they rarely are.

Back-to-school giveaway scams ask the victim to visit a website to provide their email address for claiming their prize. The victim is then rewarded with an endless stream of emails, texts, robocalls and more from the company that now has their information, with no giveaway in sight. In some cases, the scammer may demand a “processing fee” before the victim can claim their prize.

Protecting yourself from a giveaway scam is easy by remembering that, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, legitimate contests will rarely select a winner out of thin air; you’ll have to enter it first by providing your email address. They are also not likely to make you give up lots of info before claiming your prize. Finally, there is generally no payment necessary for claiming an authentic prize.

Follow the tips outlined above for this back to school season and stay safe!

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Here’s how to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner without going into debt:

Work with a budget

We know your partner means the world to you, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend the world proving it. Designate a budget for all your Valentine’s Day expenses — and stick to it!

Use a sales app

You know that face-palming moment when you realize you paid full price for something you could have gotten for way cheaper?

Keep more of your money in your wallet by shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts with a sales app like ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber. The apps will help you compare prices at various retailers and score deals and coupons on gifts.

Save on flowers

We know you found an amazing deal online for fresh roses, but don’t buy them. Flowers are not likely to last through the shipping and delivery process. Instead, look for great deals on long-lasting flowers by buying them at Trader Joe’s or Aldi.

Bring down your dinner costs

Don’t break your budget on a romantic dinner for two.

First, rethink dining in. It doesn’t have to be boring or feel forced. You can lay down a blanket in front of the fireplace for a picnic-inspired experience or glam up another room for your delectable dinner for two.

If you and your partner have been counting down to a night out, save on restaurant costs by learning how to beat the psychological tricks at play in menu design:

Look left. Restaurant owners put the most profitable items on the menu in the right-hand corner — the spot most people look to automatically.
Say the price out loud. Notice the lack of dollar signs on the menu? It’s a trick to get you to spend more. Make the price real by saying it out loud.
Ignore the decoys. See that overpriced item on the menu? You need to unsee it. Restaurants place popular dishes near overpriced items to make diners believe they’re getting a great deal, but if you pay it no attention, you’ll beat them at their game.

Celebrate late

If you dare, postpone your Valentine’s Day celebrations by a day or two for steep savings. You’ll find Valentine’s Day candy on clearance and you won’t have to pay inflated restaurant prices for the same meal.

Don’t Fall Prey to a Holiday Toy Scam

Scammers famously exploit high-stress times, and the pre-holidays shopping frenzy is no exception. That’s why the BBB is warning of an uptick in holiday toy scams which can be difficult to spot.

Here’s what you need to know about these scams.

How the scam plays out

Every year, there are a few must-have toys on most kids’ wish lists. These choice picks become the hottest-selling items and are plucked off shelves in a wink. Unfortunately for anyone who didn’t shop early enough, these toys soon become impossible to find. The parents search desperately, but to no avail.

Here’s where the scammer steps in. Armed with a bogus website and some crafty online tracking, the scammer targets the vulnerable shopper with ads and online messages to draw the shopper to the scammer’s site. On the authentic-looking site, the shopper finally finds what they seek — the sought-after toy! Often, the toy is also deeply discounted. The purchase is completed within minutes.

Unfortunately, though, the scammer will send a cheap knockoff that doesn’t work or quickly breaks. When contacted for a refund, the scammer refuses to provide one or offers only to refund a small percentage of the purchase price. Sometimes, they’ll also charge an exorbitant amount of money for shipping it back to the company, almost making the small refund not worthwhile.

Red flags

Here’s how to spot these scams:

The seller has a large supply of toys that are in high demand.
The website is not secure.
The seller is offering a steep discount due to a “flash sale” or “last-minute” deal.
The seller’s website is full of spelling and/or grammatical errors.

Stay safe

Keep yourself safe when shopping online with these tips:

Research before you buy. Avoid purchasing an expensive item from a company you’ve never heard of before without doing some digging.
Look for the lock icon and the “s” after the “http” on the URL before buying anything.
Review item return policies before making a purchase.
Pay with credit for purchase protection power.
Keep your security software up to date.
Hang on to any purchase order confirmations.
Don’t trust links in unsolicited emails. Scammers will often impersonate reputable websites in order to gain access to your account information. Go to a company website directly when looking for an item.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a holiday toy scam, end all contact with the seller immediately. Alert the BBB and let your friends know about the circulating scam as well.

Shop safely this holiday season!

Staying Safe Online

A compromised computer can put you at risk for money loss, phishing scams or even complete identity theft. Read on for some steps you can take to keep yourself safe online.

Avoid fake sites

If you’re browsing a site you don’t usually use, ask yourself these questions to make sure it’s safe:

Does your browser warn you against visiting the site? Your browser’s warnings are based on actual data and user reports.
Is the web text riddled with grammar mistakes and typos? If a site looks like it was written by a second-grader, leave.
Is the site secure? Only visit sites with an “https” and not just an “http” in the address bar.
Does the digital footprint check out? Google the company’s name to see what’s being said about them.
Is there a legitimate “Contact us” section? There should be an authentic physical address and phone number for the business.
Is there an excessive number of ads? If a website is practically covered in ads, it’s likely a fake.
Check the shipping and return policies. If you can’t find this information, the site is probably bogus.
Is the URL authentic? When redirected to another site, check the new URL to see if it matches the original company.
Does something seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is, and caution is warranted!
Is the site prompting you to download something? Make sure you verify the site before performing any download.
Is there an alternative site that you’ve used before and trust? If so, use that site instead.

Practice password safety

It’s the key to your online life — keep it safe! Here’s how:

Change your password every 30-40 days.
Never double passwords. Use a unique code for each site and service you use.
Use strong passwords. Choose passwords that include a mixture of capitalization use, numbers, letters and symbols.
Use a random passphrase instead of a password. Passphrases are longer and harder to guess. Switch out certain letters with symbols and numbers to make it even more secure. The longer the password the better.

Update your browser

Perhaps the most important step of internet safety is keeping your browser updated. With just one click, you’ll increase your browser’s security and improve your computer by making it faster and compatible with more websites.

Above all else, an updated browser will provide better security. Internet companies are constantly looking for ways to protect you and keep you safer; take full advantage of their efforts by always using the latest version.

An updated browser offers stronger protection against the most recent scams, phishing attacks, viruses, Trojans, and more. Newer browsers have also patched up security vulnerabilities that may be present in your older browser. Updating your browser is super-easy and super-quick. Late model computers will update automatically as soon as new iterations are released to the public. If your computer is a little older, you can choose the “auto-update” feature available on some browsers for the same results. Otherwise, you can update your browser manually by following the instructions on your browser. These are typically easy to follow and take just a few clicks.