10 Things to consider to avoid scams this holiday season

10 Things to consider to avoid scams this holiday season

During the holiday season, scammers have plenty of opportunities to target even the most vigilant among us. 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 this time of year.

1. Who is this message from, and 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, social media post etc. Carefully check the sender’s contact information, as spoofing schemes may use information similar to real organizations or people. Their information may have subtle differences or typos, often just by changing one letter, symbol or number. Fraudulent messages could look like they come from familiar businesses, organizations or nonprofits. They could even look like they are from someone you know by imitating their accounts. Contact the person or organization using contact information from a verified source to confirm their identity.

2. 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.

3. Am I donating to a legitimate charity?

The holiday season is a season of giving for many people, but it is a good idea to make sure you know where your money is going. Charity scams increase around this time of year. Only donate to organizations you know and trust. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office does NOT request money, donations, or payment of bonds or fees over the phone.

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.

6. Where does this link go?

It is a good idea to check that the links you receive look trustworthy before clicking on them. Scammers know that you are expecting online orders, holiday messages, etc. 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. Hover over the link with your mouse on your desktop computer to see the actual web address.

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?

Add a layer of security to your accounts with multi-factor authentication to make it more difficult for scammers to gain access with a stolen password. It adds some extra steps to the process, like sending a code to your phone, email or authenticator app. Be sure to check your bank and credit card statements for previous charges; some may arrive many weeks after the holidays have ended. If you notice any unauthorized activity, it is always better to find it quickly so that you can act to protect your finances and report it.

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

If you want to protect family and friends from being taken advantage of by scammers, discuss common scams with them, like phishing, spoofing and charity fraud. 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.

District Attorney’s Office