Have you seen some holiday offers that look too good to be true? They probably are. A savvy shopper should be aware of scammer's tactics during the shopping season. Protect your pocketbook by avoiding this year's top holiday scams.

Holiday Scam #1: Gift card scam
What it is: Scammers will clandestinely write down gift card numbers in big box stores. After you purchase the gift card, the scammer will swipe the balance before you get a chance to use it.
How to avoid it:

• Some gift cards use a scratch off system to protect the gift card number. Check if the gift card has this feature, and make sure it hasn't been tampered with.
• If the card doesn't offer this protection, buy the card from a monitored area. Scammers won't be able to copy down numbers from cards near the register.

Holiday Scam #2: Phishing scam
What it is: Scammers will send emails that appear to be from a retailer with a link to discounted merchandise. When the shopper clicks on the link and enters their payment information, the scammers steal it and make fraudulent purchases.
How to avoid it:

• If you get a great offer, don't click on the link directly. Instead, enter the retailer's URL into your address bar - - if it's a legitimate offer you can find it on the website.
• When you enter your payment information on a website, check the address bar. If the address bar contains a “https,” that means the site is using an SSL server that will keep your information secure. Be wary if it only contains a “http.” 
• Always use a credit card when making purchases; by law you are not required to pay for fraudulent purchases that appear on your credit card.

Holiday Scam #3: Knock-off merchandise
What it is: No-name stores will advertise name brand, high quality products at a low price. When the shopper receives the item, it’s a knock off of the real thing.
How to avoid it: 

• Use a credit card like American Express or Visa Signature that offer higher levels of purchase protection for these scenarios.

• If possible, always buy the product from the brand’s official store where you know you’ll get the real thing. ·         

• If you do choose to buy a name brand product through a third party site, choose a retailer like eBay that offers a dispute mechanism for fraud.

Holiday "Gotcha": Fine print on smartphone purchases
What it is: Retailers will offer smartphones for a low price, but the offer is contingent on a monthly contract.  Third party resellers sometimes charge their own early termination fee in addition to the fee the wireless company charges. For example, Amazon is offering numerous smartphones for just a penny - - but if you cancel your contract within 181 day, you'll have to pay them $250 on top of the ETF from your wireless carrier.
How to avoid it:

• Purchase your smartphone from the wireless carrier you will be using it with. If you purchase it from a third party provider like Amazon, keep an eye out for additional fees in the fine print.

Other suggestions for avoiding scams:

• Before purchasing from an unknown store, check the store’s rating on the BBB website.
• Never make your purchases by cash, check, or money wiring. It’s difficult to recover the money and it leaves your account information vulnerable.
• If you do encounter a scam, call the FTC hotline to report it: 1-877-FTC-HELP.