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Business - Scam Alert

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

Scam Alert: you won't get that must-have

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• THE SCAM: Hot holiday gifts!

• HOW IT WORKS: Every year, it seems, another consumer item becomes the must-have gift for the holidays. And scammers take advantage of the demand, such as sending spam e-mails that claim to have the item for sale, or posting listings for it on eBay or Craigslist. The scammers will ask for payment through a credit card or online payment service but don't have the item for sale or have no intention of selling it.

• WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your money, and credit card information can be used for identity theft.

• HOW TO BEAT IT: If the listing is unsolicited e-mail from a stranger, it's almost certain to be a fraud, so don't reply. If you see a listing on Craigslist or eBay, take note of the seller feedback, or ask the seller to send you photographic proof that he or she has the item for sale (the item with something that shows the current date, for example).

For a look at past scams, go to www.modbee.com/business/scam.