As the holiday season approaches in New York, authorities are issuing alerts to caution consumers about potential scams. A recent CBS News report covered a collaboration between Chase Bank and the NYPD, which led to a "Holiday Scam-Busting Workshop" in Harlem. At the event, community manager Tanisha Ritter and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg discussed common scams and strategies to prevent them. Ritter advised protecting personal information, staying organized, and knowing your banker to help prevent impersonation. Bragg noted that scams can appear convincing, particularly when they offer unusually favorable terms, and suggested verifying such offers in person at a bank.
At the same time, New York's Department of State and the FBI have issued alerts about a rise in online scams, including those involving artificial intelligence. Concerns are particularly heightened on Cyber Monday, a shopping event established by the National Retail Federation in 2005. According to Spectrum News, the FBI encouraged shoppers to exercise caution, noting that offers that appear too good to be true often are. FBI spokesperson Scott Schoenhardt advised, “Think before you click,” highlighting the serious potential consequences of online fraud.
These scams include AI-generated phone scripts and social media posts promoting nonexistent high-demand items at low prices. Online selling also carries risks; authorities warn that some scammers make overpayments with fake or stolen checks and then request refunds before the checks are discovered to be invalid. Officials advise consumers to carefully verify all details, including payment requests and pickup arrangements for mailed items.
Last year, online shopping scams resulted in more than $17 million in losses, while business impersonation scams accounted for $41 million. New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley highlighted the importance of consumer education in helping to reduce these losses. Scam-related losses affect both individuals and state revenue. Individuals who have been targeted can access resources and support, and incidents can be reported by calling the Manhattan DA's office hotline at 212-335-8300 or following local reporting procedures.
