Scams don't take a holiday
By Amy C. Fleitas • Bankrate.com

Hot cocoa. Fuzzy mittens. Brightly wrapped packages with shiny ribbons. Pickpockets.

One of these things is not a cheery part of the holidays. Unfortunately, they all tend to go together.

Not everyone beams with goodwill toward their fellow man in December. Many shadowy figures lie in wait for the chance to get their grimy paws on your cash and identity.

Don't let the Grinches of the world spoil your holiday by leading you into a scam. Be an informed -- and guarded -- consumer by following these six safe-shopping tips.

Expensive paperweights
If you shop for electronics or high-priced items, inquire about warranties before you buy.

Ask about return policies and get everything in writing. Many companies will allow you to return items for a full refund within a reasonable time; others issue store credit or insist all sales are final. Learn the policy and make sure you can stomach it should your product go belly-up.

If the store has a bad return policy, a bad warranty -- or none at all -- shop elsewhere.

Charity scams
Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells outside department stores remind us of the season's true meaning. The holidays are a time when we soften our hearts and open our pocketbooks to those in need. Unfortunately, the not-so-needy line up for donations as well.

Beware of telemarketers who claim to be raising money for charity -- they may be lying. It is admirable to give to charity, but don't let a fast-talking con artist take your cash by speaking of needy orphans and other worthy causes. Don't give out your credit card or bank account information to these people. Instead, ask them to mail you information on their charity so that you can make an informed decision. Then do a bit of investigating and check out the charity to make sure it is legitimate.

ID theft -- what's in your wallet?
Open your wallet and take a good look before you step out the door. Think to yourself, "What could a criminal do with this information if my wallet were stolen or lost today?" The answer: a lot. Carry as little information as possible.

If your Social Security card is in your wallet, take it out. You do not need it with you. With your Social Security number, a criminal could apply for credit cards, a loan, a cell phone, an apartment -- almost anything -- in your name. Here's the kicker -- the thief will have that number for the rest of your life. A decade down the road, someone still could be applying for credit in your name. Leave the card at home -- in a safe place.

While you're at it, take your insurance card out of your wallet if it uses your SSN as your policy number.

Now look at your credit cards. Decide which one you might need today and leave the rest at home. No need to carry any more. Each card represents just one more phone call you'll have make should you have to report it stolen.

Cash -- how much do you need on you right now? Carry only the amount that won't make you choke should it get lifted by a sticky-fingered shark. You don't want to be the person with the tale of woe on tonight's newscast: "Thugs took my mortgage payment as I was walking through the parking lot!"

Missing some gifts?
Ordering gifts online or from a catalog will save you a trip to the mall. But what do you do when your card has been charged but you never get the product? Don't pay.

In most circumstances, when you order over the phone or by mail, the company is legally obligated to ship your order within the time stated in their advertisements or over the phone. If there is no time stated, your order should be shipped within 30 days.