Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange is warning of scams that often prey upon unsuspecting people during the holidays.

Someone may contact individuals by phone or email claiming a family member has been arrested or is incapacitated and needs money.

The scammers will instruct individuals to wire cash or provide them with a prepaid card number.

As a general rule, individuals should never send money to anyone if they cannot verify their identity.

If individuals are unsure, check the whereabouts of the person reportedly needing assistance with other family members.

Additionally, ask the person calling or emailing to verify details that only family would know, such as location of last family gathering, where they went to high school or college, etc.

The Christmas holiday season is also a popular time for fake charity scams.

These scammers often use phishing emails, spoofed telephone numbers or door-to-door visits, according to a release from Strange’s office.

Scammers may act as if they are working for an established charity or may even create a fake charity.

Individuals should be safe and directly contact the charity of their choice and donate to them instead, the release said.

If anyone suspects a door-to-door solicitor is not honest, contact local law enforcement.

Unfortunately, Christmas gift cards can also be manipulated by thieves, the release said.

Scammers sometimes rub off the security codes from gift cards while they are still on store shelves and wait until they think the gift card has been sold and activated.

They will then spend the money, leaving the recipient with no money left on the card. To avoid this scam, make sure the gift cards being purchased are intact before buying. Compare it to other gift cards of the same variety. Also, be sure to keep a gift card receipt.

Individuals should also be aware of websites that feature pop-up advertising promising a hard-to-find item or items at a too-good-to-be-true price.

If an online offer seems too good to be true, it probably is, the release said.

Lastly, shoppers should be extra vigilant this time of year for crimes of opportunity. It is always best to keep the following in mind:

• Always park in a well-lit area.

• Do not leave your purse, presents, or other purchases in plain view in your vehicle.

• If possible, always shop with a friend or family member. There is safety in numbers.

• If meeting someone to purchase something bought online, such as from Craigslist or Facebook, meet in a heavily trafficked and well-lit area. If possible, meet in the parking lot of your local police department or sheriff’s office.

“The best protection against scams and crimes of opportunity is not to be caught by surprise by scammers and thieves,” Strange said in a release. “Use your judgment and take time to verify questionable contacts. Look for the signs of a scam: They contact you, ask for your personal information and demand that you pay them by wire or prepaid card to collect a prize or pay a supposed debt. Be wary and don’t be afraid to demand proof. Don’t be a victim of consumer fraud.”

To report suspected consumer fraud, Alabamians can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-5658.

You can also visit the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.state.al.us and click on “Consumer Protection.”

To file an online complaint, use the link www.ago.state.al.us/page-consumer-protection-file-a-complaint-01.