Experts warn online shoppers about holiday scams

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The holiday shopping season is now in full swing. Many find it easier, and more convenient, to buy their gifts online. 

However, experts say shoppers need to watch out for scams now more than ever. 

"This is probably like scammer Christmas right now, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and they are out in force,” said Patrick Allmond, a scam expert. 

Allmond said this is a prime time for scammers, especially with the use of artificial intelligence on the rise. 

"AI is very good about pretending to be other people,” said Allmond. “AI is even really good about pretending to have conversations with someone." 

He recommends making sure you have up-to-date virus protection software. You also need to make sure you’re shopping from a legitimate website before putting in your credit card information. 

"Go to the app itself or to the actual website that I type in, because then I know I'm getting to the right place,” said Allmond. “Email links and text links are the ones we have to really, really be careful about." 

Allmond also told KFOR you should never send someone your password if they email or text you asking for it.