TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - We are 15 days away from Christmas and tis' the season to get scammed.
Retail sales go up about five and a half percent over the holidays and so does consumer fraud with scam artists trying to steal Christmas cash or personal information.
A top scam according to the Better Business Bureau? Look-alike websites.
Beware of email alerts announcing deals and sales. The links could lead to fake websites that trick you into giving personal information or downloading malware.
Safe websites begin with HTTPS, the 'S' means it's secure, and any information entered is encrypted.
"Be suspicious of everything. Unsolicited emails you get anything that asks for payment in a non-traditional sense. Wiring money, gift cards, things that aren't traceable," said Leon County Sheriff's Office Detective Justin Vann. "Anytime they ask for that there's a reason they are asking for that."
This Christmas, the National Retail Federation expects holiday shopping to top last year's with Americans spending close to $682 billion.
If you think you are getting scammed, you can call the Leon County Sheriff's Office, Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission for help.
You can find a full list of the 12 Scams of Christmas and tips to avoid them by clicking here.
