The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting seniors. Unfortunately, fraudsters often use the holiday rush to trick people into revealing personal information or parting with their money. Here’s how to stay vigilant and protect yourself from common holiday scams:
1. Watch Out for Fake Charities
Scammers may pose as charitable organizations seeking donations during the holiday season. Before donating, verify the charity’s legitimacy using resources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. Never donate via unsolicited emails or phone calls—always go directly to the charity’s official website.
2. Be Cautious with Online Shopping
With the increase in online shopping during the holidays, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Stick to reputable websites, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and use secure payment methods like credit cards. Look for “https” in the website’s URL, which indicates it’s secure, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions.
3. Beware of Phishing Emails
Fraudulent emails may appear to be from trusted retailers, delivery services, or even government agencies like Social Security or Medicare. To verify if an email is legitimate, click on the sender’s name to reveal the full email address. Legitimate government emails will often end in “.gov” or “.org,” while suspicious emails may use generic domains like “@gmail.com” or odd misspellings.
- Look for Red Flags: Be wary of emails with poor grammar, urgent language, or requests for personal information.
- Don’t Click on Links: Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser to avoid potential phishing scams.
If an email seems suspicious, don’t reply or click any links. Instead, report it to your email provider or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
4. Guard Against Phone Scams
Scammers often pose as MassHealth or Social Security representatives, asking for your Social Security number or banking information. Remember, these agencies will never call you to request sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number of the agency to verify.
5. Protect Your Personal Information
Avoid sharing personal or financial details over the phone or through email unless you’re certain of the recipient’s identity. Set strong passwords for online accounts, and consider using two-factor authentication for added security. Be cautious of unsolicited requests to “verify” your account or reset your password.
6. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Check your bank statements and credit card activity regularly, especially during the busy holiday season. Look for any unusual charges, and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately. Consider setting up fraud alerts with your bank to receive notifications of any questionable transactions.
Stay safe this holiday season by being alert and informed.
