Detroit, MI – As last-minute holiday shopping ramps up across metro Detroit, police are urging residents to stay alert after issuing a warning about common scams that tend to spike during the final days before Christmas.
According to the Detroit Police Department, shoppers should take extra precautions when making purchases online and in stores, especially as scammers take advantage of crowded checkout lines, rushed decisions, and attractive “too-good-to-be-true” deals.
Police recommend using secure payment methods such as credit cards or digital wallets, which often offer stronger fraud protection than cash or debit cards. Officials also warn shoppers to be mindful of skimming or “shimming” devices that can be discreetly placed on card readers at gas stations, retail stores, and ATMs.
Consumers are encouraged to closely inspect card readers before inserting or swiping cards and to shield keypads when entering PIN numbers. Police also advise keeping all purchase receipts in case fraudulent charges appear later.
Online shopping presents additional risks, according to authorities. The department urges residents to avoid unfamiliar or suspicious websites, especially those advertising steep discounts with limited contact information or poor customer reviews. If a deal appears unusually cheap or pressures buyers to act quickly, police say it may be a scam.
The warning applies across the city of Detroit, Wayne County, and the greater metro Detroit area, where holiday shopping traffic traditionally peaks in the days leading up to Christmas.
Police say staying cautious now can help prevent financial stress after the holidays. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident to local authorities.
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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