As we sail into the holiday season, scammers are hatching new schemes to roast the Yule log and your money along with it.

Exploiting advances in information technology or adding a holiday twist to older schemes, you should move carefully before ordering, paying or donating to anything that arrives on your electronic doorstep.

Not a day goes by without being smothered in news about artificial intelligence. Scammers have been quick to harness the power of AI to create fake internet shopping sites that look genuine.

Beware of any emails touting unusual discounts or free offers. Experts report that fake shopping sites have exploded 250% over the last year.

Before ordering or paying, take a minute to check the website’s URL, and make sure it contains the little padlock symbol and starts with “https.”

If you discover later that you’ve been ripped off by a fake shopping site, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

You probably won’t get your money back, but you’ll help authorities close down the site and investigate who was running it.

Beware of another holiday scam where you receive a small gift in the mail, usually an imitation diamond ring.

A letter with a QR code usually comes with the ring. If you click the QR code, you’ll be instantly delivered into the clutches of a scammer. If you find anything like this in your mailbox, toss it in the trash along with the QR code.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably fallen in love with Amazon’s quick and easy way to buy just about anything and have it delivered to your door. Amazon cautions customers to be on the lookout for scammers posing as company representatives, asking to check up on your account or recent deliveries.

If you receive any unsolicited message from Amazon, ignore it. If you want to check on your account or purchases, do it through official Amazon channels.

Last but not least, remember to check out any charity asking for holiday donations.

Fake charities prey on your generosity and good will. Before donating to any unfamiliar organization, take the time to visit the Better Business Bureau’s site at give.org.

Other sites to check a charity include “Charity Navigator” and “Charity Watch.”

When giving, it’s best to give to who you know, and confine your contributions to local charities.

Please stay vigilant and safe, and enjoy your holiday season here in the Valley.

If you have the time and resources, find a way to share a bit of your good fortune with folks who can use a helping hand.

Our wonderful area is full of organizations who work hard to provide food, clothing and shelter to those who need it, like the Salvation Army, St. Vincent dePaul, and the hard-working staff and volunteers at Our Community Kitchen. Happy holidays!