The calendar year is coming to an end and with it comes yet one more opportunity for scammers and hackers to strike. Don’t let these Grinches steal your holiday. Here are some of the most common end-of-year scam that you should be aware of.
End-of-Year Upgrade Scams
An email or text might arrive telling you that your software is about to expire and that you need to click to upgrade or update your account information. Scammers will try to scare you by saying your account will be closed or something similar. It may also ask you to make a payment. Don’t click or respond directly to the email or text, instead visit your account separately online or contact their customer service center.
End-of-Year Insurance Benefits Scams
You might receive an email informing you that your benefits will expire, or that you need to renew them for the new year. They provide a fake website or link to log in to so you can provide your credentials thus allowing them to steal your identity.
Last Minute Holiday Travel Scams
Preying upon you planning a year-end or holiday travel, scammers will create enticing offers and phony listings that seem too good to pass up. They offer properties that either don’t exist deals loaded with hidden fees. Knowing how hectic the holidays are and the excitement of visiting family or getting away you may not be vigilant enough to examine the fine print and will find yourself out of money with no place to stay.
End-of-Year Charitable Donation Scams
Many people want to contribute to charities toward the end of the year, and who doesn’t like making the world a better place and helping out the less fortunate? Scammers will take advantage of your charitable nature and prey upon your heart strings hoping you will send them money. They may even tell you that this will help you come tax time.
Unpaid or Outstanding Invoice Scams
Using fake invoices that appear legitimate, scammers hope the urgency and fear of collections and credit damage will prevent a thorough review. They most likely will impersonate a known vendor or create convincing details to trick you into making a payment, such as sending you a PayPal link or other. Without properly verifying the legitimacy, you risk losing money to fraudulent transactions and will only discover the deception once it’s too late.
Don’t rely on random emails. Avoid clicking on any embedded links or responding to emails or texts you suspect are phishing or trying to scam you. If you’re concerned that you were contacted by a legitimate organization, call them directly with a number you know and ask if they can confirm the call, text or email or visit their website directly.
If you think you or someone you know might have been scammed, please give 360 Consumer Law™ for a consultation. We are dedicated to protecting consumers and righting wrongs.
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