🛑 Holiday Scams Alert: Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Season
The holidays should bring joy — not stress. Unfortunately, scammers target older adults more aggressively this time of year. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself and your family.
Scammers create fake stores and ads with prices that look too good to be true.
How to stay safe:
Shop only from websites you know
Avoid links in emails, texts, or social media
Only pay with credit cards (never Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, or gift cards)
Package Delivery Text Scams
Fake texts claim your package is delayed or needs a fee to “release.”
Stay safe:
Don’t click any links
Check deliveries directly with UPS, USPS, FedEx, or Amazon
If you weren’t expecting a package, ignore the message
Gift Card Scams
No legitimate company or government agency asks for gift cards ever.
If someone asks you to pay with gift cards for “fees,” “emergencies,” or “prizes,” it is 100% a scam.
Romance Scams
Scammers build fake relationships online, especially around the holidays.
Red flags:
They can’t meet in person
They ask for money
They create emergencies to gain sympathy
Protect the Seniors in Your Life
Start a simple conversation: “Has anyone contacted you asking for money or personal information?”
Create a “check-in” rule before sending money or sharing information
Share this newsletter with neighbors, caregivers, and family.