Stay Alert This Holiday Season: Scammers are Out

As the holiday season approaches, so do the scammers. Recently, I received a text message asking me to click on a link and enter my ZIP Code to fix a delivery issue. The message looked suspicious and seemed to come from the Postal Service, but something didn't feel right. This is a reminder to keep your wallet safe this holiday season. Fraud is a big business, and scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people. One common scam involves people who own timeshares. Scammers will send fake paperwork to convince the owner they need to pay to get out of the timeshare. This can cost victims thousands of dollars. Another type of scam starts with a pop-up on your computer claiming there's a virus. The scammer will ask for remote access to your computer and may even trick you into giving them money.Seniors are often targeted because they have saved money for retirement. But everyone should be careful, regardless of age. Gift card scams are also popular. Scammers can take the money off the card before you even buy it. Always check the card carefully before purchasing. Charities also face scams. Some criminals will pretend to be charities sending out urgent letters asking for donations. Don't fall for it. Only donate to charities you know and trust. It’s important to be suspicious of everything during the holidays. Don't provide personal information like your Social Security number to anyone you don't trust. Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice before making any decisions. Banks and companies could do more to prevent these scams. But until they do, it's up to us to stay alert and protect ourselves.