With the approach of the holiday season, online fraud and scamming obstacles make shopping more and more problematic.  Courtney Anclam, Senior Program Specialist - AARP Wisconsin, says even end of year giving plans need to be monitored.

AARP has a wealth of resources available for everyone to make sure they're shopping safely, and giving to truly worthy organizations and association.  Anclam says be suspicious of any solicitations you receive asking you to pay with gift cards or requesting personal information like your social security number.  These are typical signs of a scamming operation.

Anclam says that AARP has a staff of volunteers on hand to help walk people through different ways they can protect themselves.  They also offer a "fraud resource center" so that no matter what way you're doing business online, you can feel more confident you're protecting yourself.