By Keri O'Brien

Scammers have plenty of opportunities to target even the most cautious among us, especially during the holidays. Whether you are busy shopping for gifts, donating to charity or connecting with loved ones, these cons can happen to anyone and may ruin a joyful season. Here are ten questions to consider to protect yourself from common scams.

1. Who is this from? Are they who they say they are?

The first clue that something is not quite right is often the “from” line on an email, text message, phone call or social media post. Check the sender’s information, as spoofing schemes may look like they come from familiar businesses, organizations, charities or nonprofits. They could even intentionally imitate the accounts or use AI to “clone” the voices of people you know. Contact the person or organization directly using trusted contact info. Remember, it’s OK to hang up when unsure.

2. What are some common examples of these scams?

Criminals often target seniors or family members of justice-involved individuals. Be on the lookout!

Medicare will never call to ask for money or personal details over the phone. If you are in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your official card.

It’s important to know that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office does NOT request money, donations or payment of bonds or fees over the phone. Bonding is handled through the courts, and any payments should go through proper court channels. The Sheriff’s Office will contact people with an active warrant. However, we will not collect money over the phone. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the Warrants Division directly at 913-715-5212.

3. Is the message what I expect from them?

If the message feels out of character, it is worth taking a moment to assess before taking any action. Reach out using another trusted contact method to ensure the message is actually coming from them.

4. Should I be sharing this information?

Always be cautious when asked to share personal information from an unsolicited email, text or phone call. Phishing scams aim to trick users into sharing their personal information. Scammers will use public information or previously compromised data to make sharing more information seem legitimate and safe, but don’t be fooled by a fake website.

5. Why is it so urgent?

Scammers use a false sense of urgency to trick people into ignoring obvious red flags about what they are asking you to do. That “Limited time only!” deal can wait until you fully understand the terms. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is! Slow down and think through everything before making quick decisions, whether it is the perfect present or an urgent but unexpected bill notice.

Similarly, be suspicious if you get a pop-up warning that your computer has been infected with a virus. Close your browser window and never call the number provided; only use reliable contact information.

6. Where does this link go?

Scammers know that you may be expecting online orders or holiday messages and they use this to their advantage by sending links to collect more of your information, disguised as messages you expect about shipping information or coupons. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or scanning QR codes on unexpected packages, as they could be part of a brushing scam.

7. Does this payment method feel safe?

Credit cards offer layers of security against fraud and allow buyers to dispute a charge if they didn’t get what they purchased. Stick with payment options you use regularly rather than less common and traceable options, such as buying gift cards for someone else, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or instant transfer apps.

8. What are some ways I can keep my accounts more secure?

Use multi-factor authentication. Adding those extra steps to the process, like sending a code to your phone, email or authenticator app, make it more difficult for scammers to gain access to your accounts with a stolen password.

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements. If you notice any unauthorized activity, it is always better to find it quickly so that you can act to protect yourself and report it.

9. How do I help people in my life avoid scams?

If you want to protect family and friends from being taken advantage of by scammers, discuss common scams with them, like phishing, spoofing and brushing scams. Share some tips in this article, and make sure they feel comfortable talking to you about this topic, so they don’t feel the need to hide when they have been scammed.

10. What are some local resources?

Sheriff’s Office

• To report a scam, you can reach out to the nonemergency line at 913-782-0720 or contact the Investigation Unit at 913-715-5560.
• The House Watch program offers extra eyes on your home while you are away for the holidays. To request a House Watch in areas the Sheriff’s Office already patrols, call 913-782-0720.
• The Community Camera Partnership allows residents to register their home security cameras with the Sheriff’s office to help crime investigators in their area. Learn more at jocogov.org/community-camera-partnership

District Attorney’s Office

• The Consumer Protection Unit aims to educate consumers and address complaints. Learn more at jocogov.org/consumer-protection. Consumer Fraud Hotline: 913-715-3003.