Holiday scams: Protect yourself this season

By Dr. Avi Verma, IndoUS Tribune

As the holiday season draws near, it’s a time for celebration, shopping, and spending time with loved ones. However, scammers are also on the lookout, using this festive period to target unsuspecting individuals—especially seniors—with various fraudulent schemes.

Recent trends in holiday scams have shown a worrying rise in tactics aimed at deceiving people into handing over money or personal information. Scammers use everything from fake online stores to impersonating government officials, and it’s more important than ever to stay alert.

Here are some common scams targeting seniors and others during the holiday season:

1. Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support from well-known companies, claiming that your computer or device is at risk. They request remote access or payments for unnecessary repairs.
2. Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretend to be government officials, law enforcement, or even family members, claiming there’s an emergency—such as bail money or unpaid taxes—demanding immediate payments.
3. Romance Scams: Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating websites, building a relationship with the victim, only to later request money for fabricated emergencies or travel expenses.
4. Investment Scams: These often involve promises of high returns, particularly in cryptocurrency or real estate, luring victims with seemingly unbeatable opportunities that turn out to be fake.
5. Online Shopping Scams: Fake online stores pop up around the holidays, offering deals that are too good to be true. Victims lose their money or have their personal information stolen in the process.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Verify Caller Identity: If someone calls claiming to be from a government agency or a company, hang up and call back using official phone numbers to confirm their identity.
2. Never Send Money or Share Personal Info: Legitimate agencies will never ask for sensitive information or money through unconventional methods, like gift cards or wire transfers.
3. Educate Yourself: Stay aware of common scams by reading about the latest tactics. If someone pressures you or offers quick solutions to complex problems, it’s a red flag.
4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious transactions. If you see anything unusual, report it right away.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’ve fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraud, reach out to a financial advisor or law enforcement for guidance.

The holidays are a time for joy, and scammers shouldn’t dampen that spirit. By staying informed, sharing knowledge, and being cautious, we can protect ourselves and loved ones from financial fraud.

Stay safe and enjoy the season!