Getting scammed during the holiday season is somehow more aggravating than at other times. Perhaps it’s because we want this to be a time of peace and goodwill to man. Perhaps it’s because we hope that others will rise above the toxicity of everyday deceit. Perhaps it’s because we just know that people can’t be that mean. But – that’s not the way it rolls.
There is an abundance of ways that scammers try to get us to fall for their con jobs. They will claim to be your family, a government agency, or claim to be a fellow veteran. A friend of mine had someone impersonate her priest.
They don’t care that you may be living on a fixed income or that you have medical bills. They don’t care that you are lonely and craving companionship. They don’t care who you are. They don’t care that it’s the holiday season. That just means that you may be an easier target.
What they care about is getting your money or your personal identification. You need to remember that this is a BIG business.
During the holiday season, there are more opportunities for people to get scammed. Remember these scams and don’t get fooled.
- Have you heard from a charity that is looking to help those in need? Make sure it’s a real charity. Don’t rush to a decision.
- Maybe you received an email saying that your package has been delayed and if you don’t act NOW, it won’t arrive in time for Christmas. If you think that this is legitimate, contact the company directly. Don’t click on the links in the email. Look up the phone number on your order confirmation.
- Fake sites offer tremendous deals especially on the trending gifts. Make sure the site is legitimate.
- Did Wells Fargo send you an email saying your account was compromised but you don’t have a Wells Fargo account? It’s most likely a phishing email trying to get you to respond and give them information. Delete the email.
- The automated voice on the phone tells you that your Amazon account has been charged over $1000.00 for a new phone and to press 1 to talk to customer service if you did not order this item. Don’t do it. It’s another attempt to get your information.
- Did you get a call saying that the IRS wants you, and if you don’t come up with a lot of money (often in the form of gift cards), they will send someone to arrest you. The IRS doesn’t do that. This is the time of year that many people make donations for tax credits. It’s a great time to get hit with an IRS call.
- Do NOT give personal information. This includes your credit card or bank account numbers and your Social Security or Medicare Number.
- Don’t engage in conversations with callers if you have answered the phone. Just hang up.
It’s a dangerous world out there. Scammers don’t have a moratorium on conning people because it’s the holiday season. Be cautious.
