Beware online shoppers: Holiday shopping increases cyber-scams

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is reminding everyone to beware of scammer this holiday season.

Cybercrimes go from 50 cases per week, to about 100 during the festive season.

This is because more people are shopping online and checking to see when packages are arriving.

This is a perfect time for scammers to use false shipping confirmations along with faulty tracking texts with links that are dangerous to open.

WCSO’s advice is to only look at the tracking number from your confirmation purchase email.

WCSO also warns against porch pirate, that prey on packages especially during this time of year.

CSO is performing a sting operation to try to combat this issue. To participate and volunteer your porch, visit this link.

WCSO says people can take the following steps to reduce the risk of package theft:

Track your packages and plan to be home for delivery or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to retrieve them.
Have packages delivered to your workplace, if permitted.
Require a signature for delivery.
Use delivery lockers for secure drop-offs.
Install security cameras visible from the street.
Report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

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