ALERT: FBI Warns Louisiana Residents of 2 Dangerous Holiday Scams

Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview, that means the Christmas season is now in full swing. With Christmas comes SHOPPING! But, with shopping also comes Scammers and the FBI is warning Louisiana residents about two DANGEROUS scams to watch out for this Holiday Season. We've got everything you need to know...

Holiday shopping can be exciting, but it’s also a time to stay alert, as scammers often target busy shoppers. Whether you’re shopping online or in stores, be cautious with your personal and financial information. Look out for fake websites, phishing emails, and deals that seem too good to be true—they’re often traps set by scammers to steal your money or identity. Stick to trusted retailers, use secure payment methods, and monitor your bank statements for unusual activity.

Also be sure to remember that when you're off and shopping in the big chain stores keep in mind STORE ALERT CODES, those can be crucial if something goes wrong in the store while shopping. Read More about those by CLICKING HERE.

The holiday season is here, and the FBI is warning Louisiana residents to be on the lookout for two dangerous scams that could ruin their celebrations: romance scams and ransomware attacks. These scams can leave victims emotionally and financially devastated, so knowing how they work and how to protect yourself is key.

Romance Scams: Love Isn’t Always What It Seems

Romance scams happen when criminals use fake online identities to trick victims into believing they’re in a romantic relationship. They often target people on dating websites and social media, using charm and flattery to gain trust.

Here’s how it works: the scammer will try to build a connection quickly, sometimes even proposing marriage or making plans to meet in person. But the in-person meeting never happens. Eventually, they’ll ask for money, often claiming they have an emergency or need help with travel expenses.

These scammers are pros at making their lies seem believable. They may even sound caring and genuine, but their true goal is to steal from you. The FBI says to be cautious when someone you’ve met online asks for money or refuses to video chat or meet in person.

Ransomware: A Tech Trap

Ransomware is another scam to watch for, especially during the busy holiday season when many people shop online. This type of malicious software, or malware, locks you out of your computer or encrypts your files, then demands a ransom to restore access.

Ransomware can sneak onto your computer if you open a suspicious email, click on a fake ad, or visit a website that has malware. Once it’s on your device, it can freeze your system or spread to other connected devices, causing chaos and potentially stealing sensitive information.

The FBI advises everyone to back up important data, keep software updated, and avoid clicking on unknown links or ads. Be especially wary of emails that look like they’re from delivery companies or holiday retailers, as scammers often use these themes to trick people.

The holiday season should be a time for joy and connection, not for falling victim to scammers. Stay alert and share these tips with your friends and family to keep everyone safe.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.