Are there new scams at the holidays? Probably. But, most likely, scammers just ramp up the ones we know to entice more scammees into sending money or sharing personal information.
We’re more vulnerable during the holidays and scammers count on that. And, why are we more vulnerable during the holidays? We see more advertisements featuring those in need. Holidays are times that we’re more apt to have our heartstrings tugged, and we’re more likely to respond. We’re generous. We’re trusting. We didn’t have much of a social holiday season last year, and we are traveling more this year. We’re doing more online shopping. It’s also the end of the year when donations can mean credits on income taxes.
So – when someone contacts us and says they represent (insert charity here), and could you find it in your heart to help…..well, you know the rest. Be cautious. Ask questions. Have them mail you information. Check the organization on Charity Navigator or another charity checking source. Make sure you get the right name of the charity as some scammers cite a name that is only slightly different. Also check the web address’ extension. (.com, .org, .net) Scammers will also use an organizations name but with a different extension.
Gift card scams, fake site scams, and package delivery scams are also ramped up during the holidays. The IRS, Social Security, and Medicare scams continue. Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare just ended and scammers are still calling Medicare beneficiaries offering deals.
Do not purchase gift cards and provide the redemption codes. If you have questions, look up the contact information on an invoice, order acknowledgement, or other source and contact them. Do not press 1 (or 2 or any number) to talk to customer service when they call about the problem.
The Grandchild Scam is still out there but with more people traveling over the holidays, predators are more likely to find a target. Here’s how it goes: the caller claims to be the grandchild or a representative of the grandchild, and they may claim to have been arrested, or they may claim to be ill, or they may owe a debt. Scammers hope you will believe them and send money or gift cards to help the grandchild. Don’t fall for this. Discuss this with your family and establish a code word. If the caller can’t produce the code word, it’s not legitimate. Call the family member in question or another family member to check on location. Don’t rush to action. Scammers count on this.
“Letters to Santa” is another holiday scam. What child wouldn’t want a letter from Santa? You have to be cautious as some of these offers are just disguised attempts to get personal information. You may be asked for information on date of birth, where your child was born, where they live, or other personal information. Your child or grandchild may not know until sometime in the future that their identity has been compromised.
The bottom line – be cautious. Ask questions. Don’t act too quickly.
