Unfortunately the scamming business doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas and one common festive scam is about letters to Santa.
Unsolicited emails offer to sell you a “Handwritten letter from Santa to Your Child,” usually with a price of $19.99.
The link takes you to a website offering such a service but if you input your card details – they will use your card till your account has been emptied or your credit reached its maximum. Then they sell your card details to other scammers to try using them with other accounts you may have and you are likely to be added to ‘suckers’ lists circulated with other scammers.
All this from inputting your details trying to get letters from Santa.
There are much easier options – such as write the letters yourself. It’s very easy with a PC to make Christmassy letters or even hand write them. Your small child is unlikely to know they are not from the real Santa.
Never ever click on links on emails. If you want to use an Internet service then make sure you find a reputable one and check for user reviews.
If you are going to pay online for something, then make sure the connection is secure i.e. the Internet address should start with https: and there should be an icon of a locked padlock next to the https:
Any emails promising letters to Santa are almost certainly scams.
The Postal Service in America allows you to get a response from Santa when you follow these instructions:-
- Address the request letters to Santa Claus, North Pole.
- Write your personalized response to your child and sign it ‘From Santa’.
- Insert both letters into an envelope and address it to your child.
- The return address should be Santa Claus, North Pole.
- Make sure you use a First-Class stamp.
- Put everything in a large envelopes with postage and mail it to: North Pole Postmark Postmaster
In the UK, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Santa/Father Christmas at Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ
Good luck.
If you have any experiences with scammers, spammers or time-waster do let me know, by email.
