With the holiday season in full swing, most of us are focused on food, fun, and family. There are others, however, who view the holidays as prime time for running scams, particularly those that target seniors. To help you avoid becoming a victim, the attorneys at Wilcox Attorneys, PA explain some common holidays scams that target seniors.
Why the Holiday Season is Prime Time for Scammers
During the holidays, while most of us are feeling especially charitable, scam artists take advantage of that propensity for several reasons. The increased volume of holiday shopping presents an abundance of financial activity, presenting even more opportunities for fraud. In addition, many people are less diligent in monitoring their accounts, preferring not to think about money until after the holidays in case they go over budget. Finally, older individuals, in particular, are often targeted during the holidays because they tend to be more trusting, less adept with technology, and have higher disposable income. Unfortunately, the combination of these factors makes the holidays especially dangerous for seniors.
Common Holiday Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have an older loved one you hope to protect, understanding common holiday scams is the best way to avoid falling victim to them. Here are some prevalent scams and tips for safeguarding against them:
- Phony Delivery Notifications: While these scams run year-round, they ramp up during the holidays when people are more likely to be expecting packages in the mail. In this scam, you might receive what appears to be an official notification by mail, text, or email claiming a delivery attempt was made. The message instructs you to call a number, where the scammer requests a credit card or Social Security number under the guise of confirming your identity. To sidestep this scam, check for a delivery’s tracking number and then navigate to the official carrier website, such as USPS, FedEx, or UPS. If you input the tracking number and it is invalid or you are suspicious about the tracking, contact the delivery company directly using a verified number obtained independently through an online search. Do not use the phone number provided by the notification you received.
- Fake Charities/Causes: While fake charity scams are not new, the internet has given scammers new avenues to exploit them. Platforms like GoFundMe are often used to raise funds for legitimate causes, but they are also vulnerable to misuse by scammers. You might receive a direct request to make a charitable donation or run across an online request while scrolling through a social media platform. To protect yourself from “donating” money to a fake charity or cause, avoid donating through crowdfunding unless you personally know the organizer. Additionally, use trusted resources like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator to verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating.
- Fake Retail Websites: Because seniors are less knowledgeable about technology (as a general rule), fake retail websites often lure them in during the holidays. Scammers set up copycat websites that mimic popular retailers to lure holiday shoppers. Clicking on ads or links in emails can sometimes redirect you to these lookalike sites, where you may end up purchasing nonexistent or low-quality items. Protect yourself by carefully checking URLs and examining the site for signs of fraud, such as spelling mistakes or design inconsistencies. Be wary of URLs with extra words, like “Amazonshopping.com” or URLs with a single letter added or deleted, such as “Amazons.com.” If in doubt, type the website’s main address directly into your browser to ensure you are on the legitimate site.
Seniors: Stay Safe and Avoid Scams This Holiday Season!
For additional information, please join us for a FREE webinar. If you have elder law questions or concerns, contact the experienced Washington County, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and Northwest Arkansas elder law attorneys at Wilcox Attorneys, PA by calling 479-443-0062 to schedule your appointment today.
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