Tax Season: Tax-related scams vary, but often use legal threats to gain information from you or trick you into paying a fictitious tax bill. Authenticate any tax documents with official organizations.
Holidays: During holidays, there are many scams asking you to donate to specific causes or learn more information by clicking a link. Although it is noble to help others and seek to be better informed, be sure you do so through legitimate charities and not through individual requests and that websites you visit are secure “https://” destinations.
Tax Season: Tax-related scams vary, but often use legal threats to gain information from you or trick you into paying a fictitious tax bill. Authenticate any tax documents with official organizations.
Holidays: During holidays, there are many scams asking you to donate to specific causes or learn more information by clicking a link. Although it is noble to help others and seek to be better informed, be sure you do so through legitimate charities and not through individual requests and that websites you visit are secure “https://” destinations.
Disaster Relief: After a disaster or other traumatic event, there are often requests to help victims. Like holiday scams, these attacks play on your emotions and desire to assist. If you feel the need to help, do so through legitimate and well-established channels.
Stimulus Funds: Over time, various organizations will create programs to help stimulate the economy or provide assistance to the less fortunate. Free money is hard to come by, so be very cautious of people stating they can help you get such funding, especially if you need to pay any fees to gain access. Go directly to the agency or organization and apply for such funding first-hand.
Disaster Relief: After a disaster or other traumatic event, there are often requests to help victims. Like holiday scams, these attacks play on your emotions and desire to assist. If you feel the need to help, do so through legitimate and well-established channels.
Stimulus Funds: Over time, various organizations will create programs to help stimulate the economy or provide assistance to the less fortunate. Free money is hard to come by, so be very cautious of people stating they can help you get such funding, especially if you need to pay any fees to gain access. Go directly to the agency or organization and apply for such funding first-hand.
Scams are prevalent, but there are some common signs and times to lend more attention. Remember to use extra caution around holidays, tax season, and other big events.
