The Amazon Scams To Be Aware Of This Holiday Season

Another holiday season means more scammers trying to take your money. Sadly, many of these scammers are technologically savvy, which means you need to always be aware their latest scam tactics.

According to Yahoo News, Amazon is letting shoppers know of scamming tactics happening before Black Friday shopping happens. Although there is an array of different scamming actions, there are two prominent ones that Amazon is letting customers know about.

The first is an email that seems to be from Amazon. The email is warning you that your account might be suspended and is asking for personal information. Getting this email harm your computer with destructive attachments.  And it's fake! Don't click on any links and don't reply with any personal information.

The second scam has folks reaching out to Prime members by phone or text, asking them to confirm or cancel services. This is also a trick to try and get your personal information like social security numbers and bank accounts. Replying is a no-no, and definitely don't give out your info.

Although thieves are around all year, this is the time when they seem to roll out in full force. When shopping at a store, always be aware of your surroundings. Being on your phone, especially while walking to your car, can make you a target. Looking around and being aware lets a criminal know that you're less vulnerable. If you're not carrying packages, keep your head high and act cocky. Criminals are less likely to target someone if they think that person will give them a hard time or make a scene.

If you're in a store and feel like you're being followed, alert an employee. You can also use your phone to begin filming the person. Making yourself loud or causing a scene can deter someone from attacking you. If you're a child or teen, if you walk up to an adult and say, 'Hi mom!' or act like you know them, usually the adult will know what's happening and keep you safe.

Always keep your car locked and when shopping, hide packages in the trunk or somewhere they're not visible from your car windows. Park in well-lit or high traffic areas. And if you're someone that gets into their car after shopping and sits there for a few minutes to look at your phone, don't do that. Again, this makes you a target as you're not paying attention to what's around you. Locking your car doors as soon as you get into it is smart too!

Porch pirates are in full force this time of year too! If you're having packages delivered and you know you won't be home, ask a neighbor to grab it for you until you get home. You can also purchase a package lockbox to keep your things safe until you're home.

Some of these tips are more for women than men, as women are targeting more often. Still, it's good for everyone to be alert and aware of their surroundings, not just for the holidays, but always. Stay safe! More info on scamming can be found here. 

Before getting into this list, let me just say that I'm not a huge Oprah fan. When her yearly 'favorite things' list comes out, usually the stuff on it is too expensive for most of us to purchase. This year is different, which is why I'm sharing a few items on her list. 

According to Oprah Daily, not only can you find things for yourself and friends on this list, but there's also things for kids. Looking through the list, I'm guessing Oprah has a deal with Amazon this year as almost all of her 2023 'favorite things' are on the site. Oprah is breaking the list up with a few different categories, which makes shopping a bit easier. 

The list has stylish, cozy, kids, kitchen, engaging, beauty, food, and wellness gifts. This is the 27th edition of Oprah's fav list things, and there's 112 items on the list this year. Going through them all would take me all weekend, but I've picked out a few that I like. The 2023 list includes items ranging from about $13 to just under $1,000, and nearly 50 gifts are less than $50. Score!

Not surprising, I'm all about checking out the food gifts first! Although this item is pricey, I do like the story behind it. There's a cake on the list called the 'Original Mortgage Apple Cake' and it looks yummy! In 2009, facing the loss of her house, Angela Logan, started selling her apple cakes to pay off her loan. It worked! Hence the name! I love a good underdog story, and this is definitely one. You can check out the cakes and other items here.

I'm not a fashion person, and my style is comfy! That said, I do like funky accessories and these gloves fit that category! The fun, checkered gloves come in a few different colors, and the bonus part is that you don't have to take them off to use your phone. They sell for $20 on Amazon and are perfect for when the weather gets chilly.

Recently, I purchased an amazingly comfortable lounge set that can be worn out or at home. Actually, I wore it to work yesterday! Because I like it so much, I'm always on the hunt for something similar, and this lounge set fits the bill! It's a bit pricey, but honestly, I'm in for paying for good quality and cozy! The loungewear set is on Amazon for $139, and it comes in six colors. Loving the Dusty Green!

Although I don't have kids, I did help to raise two children. When my step-kids were little, they loved baking! And if you have kids in your family that enjoy it, this cookie decorating kit is perfect! No baking is actually required, but kids can have a blast with these Christmas and Hanukkah kits. Each delivers delicious sugar cookies, homemade frosting, and sprinkles to keep kids busy during the holidays. 

Cooking and eating are two of my hobbies, and earlier this week I noticed that I needed some new utensils. Some last for years, while others need to be replaced every once in a while. This set contains 13 essential wooden utensils in a hand- thrown pottery crock that was inspired by an Italian staple: the olive jar. It's great gift for a new homeowner, newlywed, or someone that enjoys spending time cooking. 

I'm a dog person and my rescues Kramer and Eddy are my babies! This paintable picture set is a great gift for any pet lover, and it's for all ages!  You can turn your pet’s photo into a paint-by-number template, then print it on the enclosed canvas, and finish with the brushes and acrylics. Fun! It's only $40 at Amazon and you'll end up with a precious pic of your baby/babies! 

As much as I love makeup, I don't wear a lot of it daily. But I do like to put on some color before work, and these Ami Cole Cream Multistick's are perfect! The sticks come in creamy matte colors that are easy to blend on cheeks and on lips. They come in four colors and they're perfect when you want a bit of color. Throw on some mascara with the sticks and you're good for the day! 

There are lot of things for you in this category, but my favorite thing is for my pups! I'll admit that my dogs don't get groomed as often as they should and that's where the Pride and Groom The Tool Kit comes in. Selling for $56 on Amazon, the kit comes with a foamy, waterless shampoo, bath brush, and protective balm to keep your dog's coat shinny!