Three types of scams typically increase during the holiday season. Scammers attempt to extract funds from unsuspecting individuals who are hoping to earn extra money for holiday spending, give money to charities, and shop for gifts online.
-- Earning: Many people want to earn extra spending money for holiday
shopping, and may be tempted by offers to "work at home" or become a
"mystery shopper" for a product or retailer. The recipient may be asked
to send a wire transfer or money order for a start-up kit, or the
recipient receives a large check to cash --