Hamilton County, Ohio – Residents across Hamilton County are being urged to stay alert while shopping or donating online this holiday season as scammers increase activity during one of the busiest spending periods of the year.
According to Hamilton County Emergency Management, the holidays are a prime time for online fraud, with scammers using urgency, deep discounts, and emotional appeals to trick people into giving up money or personal information.
Officials warn residents to be cautious of “too-good-to-be-true” holiday deals, unfamiliar websites asking for credit card or personal details, and urgent donation requests from unknown or unverified sources. These scams often appear legitimate and may closely resemble trusted retailers or charities.
Emergency management officials say scammers commonly pressure victims to act quickly — claiming limited-time offers or immediate needs — leaving little time to verify authenticity. Residents are encouraged to slow down, double-check website addresses, and research charities before making donations.
Authorities recommend shopping directly through well-known retailers, avoiding unsolicited emails or text messages, and never sharing sensitive information unless the source has been independently confirmed. Monitoring bank and credit card statements regularly can also help detect fraud early.
Hamilton County Emergency Management emphasized that protecting financial security is an important part of staying safe during the holidays, reminding residents to “shop smart and verify before you click.”
Anyone who believes they may have encountered or fallen victim to an online scam is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or appropriate consumer protection agencies.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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