The holiday season is often described as a time of peace, joy, and love. And while that’s true for many, it’s also a time scammers eagerly anticipate. Each year, they become more sophisticated in exploiting the seasonal rush and the surge of consumer activity. Some scammers even use personal details, like the names and addresses of family members, to impersonate a loved one in distress, while others pose as agencies such as the IRS or Social Security to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
In this blog, we’re shedding light on common scams that surface during the holidays and sharing tips to help you avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Imposter Calls and Texts
Scammers often pretend to be a loved one, such as a child or grandchild, claiming to be in trouble and urgently needing help, usually in the form of money. In our practice, we have heard countless fabrications like “your grandson is in jail” or “your granddaughter is in the hospital.” These scammers may even have the full names of your family members, using that information to make their story sound more convincing and to disguise their true motives. This type of impersonation scam is especially common among individuals aged 65 and older, making it important to keep older family members informed and aware.
If you receive a call from an unknown number with no caller ID, be wary of urgent pleas for help. Take time to verify the caller by asking specific questions that only your loved one would know, or simply hang up and call your family member directly before sending money to an unfamiliar account.
Delivery Scams
From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and through Boxing Day, this time of year is known for offering some of the best deals. Scammers are well aware of the surge in online shopping during the holiday season and use it to their advantage. Many scams come in the form of emails or texts pretending to be from companies like Amazon or eBay, claiming that a package is delayed or that “additional information” is needed.
Be cautious when you receive these messages. Check the sender’s phone number or email address, and pay attention to verification indicators provided by email services like Gmail or Yahoo. If you are expecting a delivery, monitor its progress through a trusted tracking website. And remember: once you have successfully placed an online order, legitimate retailers will never request your credit card information or Social Security number to ship a package.
Fake Charities
It’s true, even the best intentions during this season of giving can be exploited by scammers. Many take advantage of people’s generosity by posing as fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones in an attempt to collect bank account details or monthly credit card payments. Before sharing any financial information, always verify the organization through its official website or through trustworthy verification platforms such as Charity Navigator. The safest way to donate online this holiday season is to give directly through the verified charity’s official website.
These are just a few of the more common scams that surface during this time of year. Always be cautious of anyone asking for financial or personal information over the phone, especially if the request feels urgent or unexpected. When in doubt, reach out to a trusted loved one or your attorney for guidance on how to protect yourself. With awareness and a few simple safeguards, you can keep yourself and your family protected and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.