Nasty Scam Experts Are Setting Traps for You

As Christmas shoppers get a little frantic in these last days before the Big Day, the thieves are increasing their already tricky methods to get your money, and in worse cases, your identity.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned against the scam experts with some common sense tips:

When purchasing gift cards, check the terms and keep the receipts. Montana law stipulates that gift cards and gift certificates do not expire unless the business is sold.

When using social media online, verify the company, ensure the website is secure before paying, and check the account's public information. Be cautious when clicking links.

Use a credit card when shopping online. You can track your purchase and dispute bogus charges. The credit card company can help.

Do not use gift cards to make a payment online. Anyone who asks you to pay using a gift card is most likely a scammer.

We also heard from the Better Business Bureau. They have a Scam Tracker online, where people can follow fraud reports and submit their own problem. The Bureau also said simply Google search a company's name. You're learn about the company and maybe even see some customer reviews. But, overall, if a deal seems too good to be true...it probably is.

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If you have experienced a scam call the Montana Department of Justice's Office of Consumer Protection at 406-444-4500 or 800 free at 900 481-6896. They're also online at the Department of Justice website.

Be cautious, even if you're desperate to get your shopping done.

LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born

With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of iconic holiday gifts. Using national toy archives and data curated by The Strong from 1920 to today, Stacker searched for products that caught hold of the public zeitgeist through novelty, innovation, kitsch, quirk, or simply great timing, and then rocketed to success.

Categories: Missoula News, Montana News