|
As the leaves change and temperatures drop, the season brings more than just the arrival of holidays and festive gatherings. Fall is also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, taking advantage of various seasonal activities and the rush of the holiday season. Awareness is key to staying protected, so here’s a look at some common financial scams you might encounter during the fall and how to avoid them.
Holiday Shopping Scams
Fall marks the start of the shopping season as people begin to prepare for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the bigger holiday rush. Scammers exploit this by setting up fake online stores, offering "too good to be true" deals, or creating fraudulent ads on social media. These fake websites often mimic legitimate retailers but disappear once they’ve collected your payment information.
How to protect yourself:
• Stick to shopping from trusted and well-known retailers.
• Be wary of deals that seem excessively generous.
• Check URLs carefully and look for secure "https" websites.
• Read reviews and research new sellers.
Charity Scams
As the holiday season approaches, many people feel more generous and donate to charities. Scammers exploit this goodwill by creating fake charities or posing as legitimate organizations, especially in the wake of natural disasters or crises, which often happen during hurricane season in the fall.
How to protect yourself:
• Verify any charity before making a donation. Look up the organization on sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations, especially via email or social media.
• Avoid giving donations in cash or through wire transfers, as these are harder to track.
Utility Scams
As cooler temperatures set in, energy bills often rise. Scammers call, email, or even show up at your door pretending to be from your local utility company, claiming that you owe money and threatening to shut off your service if you don’t pay immediately.
How to protect yourself:
• Utility companies typically send multiple written warnings before cutting off service and rarely demand immediate payment over the phone.
• Always verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and contacting your utility company directly using a number from their official website or your bill.
• Never give out personal or payment information to an unsolicited caller or visitor.
Tax Scams
Though tax season is traditionally in the spring, fall can still see a rise in tax-related scams, especially as people prepare for year-end financial planning. Scammers may pose as IRS agents and claim you owe back taxes, demanding immediate payment and threatening legal action or arrest if you don’t comply.
How to protect yourself:
• The IRS will never initiate contact via phone, email, or social media and will always send official correspondence by mail.
• Never make payments over the phone or share your personal information without verifying the legitimacy of the contact.
• If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS directly.
Travel Scams
As families plan fall getaways, scammers take advantage of travel deals, offering heavily discounted vacation packages or last-minute deals that sound too good to be true. Often, these fraudulent offers lead to non-existent hotel bookings or hidden fees.
How to protect yourself:
• Book travel only through trusted websites or directly with hotels and airlines.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers, especially if they require you to make a quick decision.
• Research reviews of travel agencies or vacation rental companies before booking.
Event Scams
Fall festivals and sporting events are popular during this time of year, and scammers may sell fake tickets or passes online for these events. Fake event websites or ticket sales can leave consumers out of money and unable to attend the event.
How to protect yourself:
• Purchase tickets directly from the event’s official website or a reputable ticket vendor.
• Be cautious of deals shared on social media or through third-party platforms.
• Verify that the event is real by visiting the official event page or contacting the venue.
In conclusion, while fall can be a time for fun, family, and festivities, it’s also a prime season for scammers looking to take advantage of busy and unsuspecting individuals. By staying informed, vigilant, and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these common financial scams. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, take the time to verify it. When in doubt, reach out to official sources or authorities before sharing any personal or financial information.
For additional information about online scams and cybersecurity visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/services/mobile-and-online-banking/online-security-tips
| 
