Scams are alive and well this holiday season

The California Department of Consumer Affairs reminds holiday shoppers that they should never share their Social Security number, credit card account numbers, passwords, or any other personal financial information with someone they don’t know. Scam artists contact their victims on the telephone, in e-mails and even through the postal mail.

Some of the recent scams that California consumers have contacted the California Office of Privacy Protection for assistance on include:

n Hearing that you are the winner of a contest you never entered.

“It feels great to hear that you may have won something valuable, but if the contact person tells you that you have to give money in order to get something, think twice!” said Charlene Zettel, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. “This is rarely legitimate.”

Being told that you can go on a shopping spree on your credit or bank accounts as a so-called “Secret Shopper,” then be reimbursed.

“The thief is trying to get access to your account numbers so they can go on a shopping spree and run up charges,” said Zettel. “You will never be reimbursed, because that is not how mystery shopper companies operate.”

n Unbelievable mortgage refinancing deals, charitable organization holiday donations.

“Make sure you know who you’re talking with by researching the company before doing any business or making a donation,” Zettel warned. “Call corporate contact numbers and check to make sure addresses are real and not just a post office box. Always make sure you are confident that your contributions are being channeled into the organization, not a thief’s pocket.”

n Marketing checks sent to you through the postal mail.

“This may seem like free money — a check that is written in your name with the simple instruction to sign it and the money is yours. Look at all of the small print — including the area where you endorse the check on the reverse side. Sometimes you’ll find that the small print says your signature is authorizing a monthly deduction from your account or that you are financially responsible for sending money to that company.”

n Don’t be fooled by these scams.

Never give your personal information to someone you don’t know, unless you made the contact. Research the companies you do business with before you buy anything, making sure there is a real physical address and a valid telephone number with representatives that can assist you.

“The Department of Consumer Affairs wants everyone to shop with bright, alert eyes that are wide open to frauds and scams so they’ll have safe and happy holiday shopping experiences,” said Zettel.

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‘Spark of Love’ toy drive

The Santa Monica Fire Department and the Santa Monica Red Cross have joined together to bring some holiday cheer to local low income children and their families.

The occasion is the annual “Spark of Love” toy drive. Unwrapped toys, books and gifts can be dropped off at any of a number of “Spark of Love” collection sites no later than Saturday, Dec. 23. Volunteers will then distribute donations to local families and social service organizations in time for the holiday.

Sites where gifts, toys or donations can be dropped off include the Santa Monica Red Cross, 1450 11th Street; SMFD Station #1, 1444 7th St.;

SMFD Station #2, 222 Holister Ave.; SMFD Station #3, 1302 19th St. and SMFD Station #5, 2450 Ashland Ave.

Gifts and toys can also be dropped off at the Santa Monica City Hall 1685 Main St. and at the Public Safety Building, 333 Olympic Dr. (behind City Hall).

Spark of Love collection points include local hotels. The Fairmont-Miramar, 101 Wilshire Blvd.; Shangri-La Hotel, 1301 Ocean Ave.; Loews Santa Monica Beach at 1700 Ocean Ave.; The Carmel, 201 Broadway; Hotel Oceana, 849 Ocean Ave.; Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Boulevard; The Georgian Hotel, 1415 Ocean Ave. and Doubletree Guest Suites, 1707 4th St. will all have drop-off toy drive containers.

Spark of Love donation containers can also be found in Albertson’s at 2627 Lincoln Blvd. and 3105 Wilshire Blvd. and at both Santa Monica CVS Drug stores, 2505 Santa Monica Blvd. and 1411 Lincoln. Toys. Toys and gifts can also be dropped off at US Bank at 23rd Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

For Information on volunteering, donating or collection sites throughout Santa Monica, call Jerry Washington at the American Red Cross of Santa Monica at (310) 394-3773, extension 112. The “Spark of Love” Toy Drive is sponsored by KABC (7), Southern California Firefighters, CVS Drug Stores and other supporters.

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