Protect Your Wallet This Holiday Season: Avoid Financial Scams
Empowering Older Adults to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams and Protect Their Financial Independence
The holiday season is a time for connection and joy, but it’s also a peak time for financial scams. With online shopping and donation appeals increasing, scammers often target older adults, especially those feeling isolated. In 2023 alone, scams targeting people aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses.
To help protect yourself and loved ones, be vigilant about common scams such as fake charities, non-delivery schemes, and fraudulent tech support offers. Scammers also exploit personal relationships, posing as relatives in distress or romantic interests to gain trust and money.
Here are some key tips to avoid scams this season:
- Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true or pressure you to act quickly.
- Never send money via wire transfer or gift cards to unfamiliar individuals.
- Regularly monitor financial accounts for unusual activity and secure personal information.
The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging (NEKCOA) is here to help. We’re proud to partner with USAging's Home for the Holidays campaign to empower older adults to take control of their financial safety. Need guidance or resources?
Call us at (800) 642-5119. Let’s ensure a safe and scam-free holiday season!
