The holidays are full of surprises. Most are welcome. But scammers take advantage of the season to deliver some you don’t want. When you are busy and distracted, a convincing call or email can catch you off guard.
Common scams include a supposed family member in trouble and needing money, a purchase confirmation email for something you never bought, or someone claiming to be from your bank who says they have detected fraud and want to help you secure your account
A familiar voice, email address, or caller ID does not guarantee legitimacy. Scammers can fake email addresses and caller information to make a message appear to come from someone you know or a company you do business with. Deepfake AI can even mimic the voice of a friend or family member.
Recognize the Red Flags
Scammers want you to react before you have time to think. Whatever the story, watch for:
- Unexpected contact: A call or email about a problem you knew nothing about.
- Urgency: Pressure to act immediately.
- Secrecy: Instructions not to tell or involve anyone else.
- Requests for money: Directions to send funds through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or Zelle.
These warning signs give you a reason to pause—even when the story sounds believable.
What to Do
If you encounter these red flags, don’t click links or respond. If it is a phone call, hang up. You don’t need to give any reason for hanging up.
If you think the email or call could be legitimate, contact the person or business directly using a phone number or email address you know and trust, rather than one they may provide.
Most of all, contact me. I can help you assess the situation and take steps to protect yourself and your hard-earned assets.
– Jonathan
©The Behavioral Finance Network. Used with permission. CRN0000000.