By HRRC Financial Counselor Keesha Allen.

Consumers are approaching the biggest shopping season of the year. While you’re seeking a great bargain on that new television or cell phone, scammers are even more eager to cheat you out of your hard-earned money. The best way to avoid scams is to be an informed consumer. Although thieves still use old “tried and true” tricks to steal money or personal information from consumers while they’re shopping or making year-end charitable donations, many scams today are cyber-driven or exploit new technology. Here some ways to protect yourself during this holiday season:

Gift cards are a common purchase during the holiday season, but you may not be aware that the way they are displayed in the store (usually right by the checkout) makes it easy for thieves to copy or scan the numbers on the cards and place them back on the rack. It is then possible to track when the card is purchased and activated, so the cards can be drained of all of their funds. The best way to prevent this from happening is to purchase gift cards at the customer service desk or from behind the counter. Make sure the cashier activates the card in your presence, and always get a receipt to give to the gift recipient in case there are problems.

Scammers prey on people’s desire to help those in need during the holiday season by sending emails or texts asking for contributions. These scam messages are very convincing – often times including authentic-looking logos copied from legitimate charities or links to fraudulent websites. (You may be able to see a web address pointing to a fraudulent site, instead of the legitimate charity site, if you hover over the link.) Don’t make large donations in cash, and always ask for a receipt. Never provide credit card or bank account information by phone unless you initiate the call. Mailing a personal check is the safest way to give. If you have any doubt, or just want to be assured your donation is being handled properly, check out the Wise Giving Alliance (operated by the Better Business Bureau) or visit Charity Navigator to check the organization’s name and reputation.

Protecting your personal information should be a priority throughout the year (not just during the holidays), but thieves really look to take advantage of people during this busy season. You need to be especially mindful, so you don’t become a victim of these tactics – or the many others thieves use to take advantage of innocent buyers. Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s website for updates and alerts about scams occurring in your area, as well as across the country.