Rosalind Evans
As the holiday season unfolds, it brings with it not just cheer and goodwill but also a surge in scam activities targeting unsuspecting individuals, especially older Americans and retirees. Scamsters are increasingly leveraging this festive period to intensify their fraudulent pitches. Dr. Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz, lead cybersecurity faculty at the University of Phoenix College of Business and Information Technology, emphasizes the importance of vigilance during these times. “Bad actors are looking for ways to monetize activity and swindle you out of your hard-earned cash,” she warns.
These scams often involve deceitful charity and shopping pitches. Dr. Benoit-Kurtz offers invaluable advice on how to safeguard yourself against these threats. The key is to be cautious and proactive in verifying the legitimacy of any suspicious communications.
Firstly, she advises against responding to dubious emails. These often carry a false sense of urgency, enticing recipients to click on malicious links. “Do not take that bait,” she stresses, suggesting direct verification with the concerned organization through their official contact details.
Similarly, unsolicited texts should be treated with skepticism. These messages may masquerade as urgent requests from known entities or loved ones, pressuring individuals into making hasty financial decisions. Dr. Benoit-Kurtz recommends validating the sender’s identity before taking any action.
Phone calls and voicemails are not exempt from scrutiny either. Scammers often pose as representatives from familiar organizations like the IRS or significant companies like Apple and Amazon. Dr. Benoit-Kurtz’s advice is clear: never divulge personal or financial information over the phone without confirming the caller’s identity.
Social media, too, is a hotbed for scams, with fraudsters impersonating acquaintances who need urgent financial help. The solution is direct, personal verification before responding to such requests.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) echoes these concerns, noting that scammers frequently exploit the victim’s familiarity with specific organizations to compel action. The scale of this problem is significant, with consumers losing over $2.7 billion to social media scams alone.
While the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, it also demands heightened vigilance against scams. Dr. Benoit-Kurtz’s parting advice is poignant: “Ensure you can 100% validate the requester before providing any information or funds.” Enjoy the festivities, but remember to stay alert and cautious.
