Watch out for scammers and thieves during holiday season, especially online, state officials say
The deals are out there. And so are the scammers and thieves.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, consumers looking to nab bargains should be aware of fraudsters looking to steal their money and identity, state officials say.
"This time of giving is unfortunately viewed as a prime opportunity for cyber thieves and scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday in a statement.
Consumers nationwide reported more than $1.7 billion in losses from fraud and identity theft in 2014, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received reports from more than 14,000 New Yorkers in 2014, who reported more than $47 million in losses due to cybercrime.
In New York State, consumers reported more than 3,000 identity theft complaints over the last holiday season, from November 2014 to January 2015.
The Division of Consumer Protection's hotline receives hundreds of calls during the holidays from consumers asking for help on how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
For more information or to file a complaint against a business, visit the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection website or contact the Division's hotline at 800-697-1220.
Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.
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