Better Business Bureau warns of holiday charity scam
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The holidays are a time for generosity, but scammers are taking advantage of the spirit of giving. The Central Virginia branch of the Better Business Bureau is warning of a scam that can affect people who don't check their bank accounts With holiday spending in full swing, it's easy to overlook a fraudulent charge, especially if it appears to be a small donation to charity. This is exactly how a recent scam affecting Virginians works. You might be looking at your credit card statement and notice a small charity donation that you don't remember making. Well, you're not mistaken. It could be a sign of fraud. "Maybe $25 or $30," said Barry Moore, President and CEO of central Virginia's Better Business Bureau. "What they're looking to do is see how good you are [at] protecting your information." Scammers who already have your credit card information use this tactic to test if your stolen card still works, hoping you don't notice. That way it gives scammers the green light to continue using your card. "These are not just people playing around. These criminals are making lots of money, taking it from us, giving it to them," Moore said. While no local reports of this specific scam have surfaced, Moore emphasized the importance of closely monitoring your finances. He recommends reviewing your bank statement monthly and your credit card statement more frequently. If you suspect this might have happened to you, don't wait for a scammer to drain your account. Report the charge to your bank immediately. For more prevention tips, visit the Better Business Bureau's website here.
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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The holidays are a time for generosity, but scammers are taking advantage of the spirit of giving. The Central Virginia branch of the Better Business Bureau is warning of a scam that can affect people who don't check their bank accounts
With holiday spending in full swing, it's easy to overlook a fraudulent charge, especially if it appears to be a small donation to charity. This is exactly how a recent scam affecting Virginians works.
You might be looking at your credit card statement and notice a small charity donation that you don't remember making. Well, you're not mistaken. It could be a sign of fraud.
"Maybe $25 or $30," said Barry Moore, President and CEO of central Virginia's Better Business Bureau. "What they're looking to do is see how good you are [at] protecting your information."
Scammers who already have your credit card information use this tactic to test if your stolen card still works, hoping you don't notice. That way it gives scammers the green light to continue using your card.
"These are not just people playing around. These criminals are making lots of money, taking it from us, giving it to them," Moore said.
While no local reports of this specific scam have surfaced, Moore emphasized the importance of closely monitoring your finances. He recommends reviewing your bank statement monthly and your credit card statement more frequently.
If you suspect this might have happened to you, don't wait for a scammer to drain your account. Report the charge to your bank immediately.
For more prevention tips, visit the Better Business Bureau's website here.
