If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. However, the holidays are generally a time when people forget this simple fact. That's why certain people tend to take advantage. The art of the scam is not a new art by any means. From playing the three shell game where the person moving the shells palms the pea to the severely discounted electronic equipment out of a minivan, the scam really hasn't changed all that much over the years; they've simply gotten better at hiding.
Scammers tend to be persuasive. They often know just what to say and how to say it at just the right time to convince their victim that what they're selling is exactly what that person needs. Be that a fancy new stereo, a lovely leather coat, or a fancy new ring that is not, in fact, diamonds and silver, but is instead nickel plated copper and cubic zirconia. A polite, silver tongue and a little acting can go a long way towards throwing up a facade of trustworthiness. A sense of false urgency can also add fuel to the fire of a snap decision which could leave the victim minus X amount of money and feeling terrible once they realize they have been duped.
Avoiding these snake oil peddlers isn't always the easiest thing in the world. Walking through New York there's a seller of knock off Louis Vuitton merchandise on practically every corner. Those selling merchandise from their cars in smaller town tend to be more forceful as well. With the seller being so pushy and unwilling to take no for an answer, it can almost seem worth it to buy what they're selling just so they'll go away. Don't do that. Instead, tell them if they don't leave, you're going to call the police. That generally gets anyone's attention and if they don't listen reach for your phone. Since they know they're doing something illegal it should make them turn tail and drive off.
While it's not as bad as the image of the nondescript, white, windowless van owner attempting to sell candy to children, scamming is still a terrible thing that goes on and affects many people each year. Don't be a victim and always buy from a trustworthy source.
