To share love and kindness with those around you.

It is also the season to be smart about scams!

This time of year often conjures up images of singing Christmas carols, time with family, children opening gifts, snow, a scrumptious meal and remembering those loved ones who are no longer with us.

Unfortunately, scams are now part of this season. The perpetrators are getting more technical and savvier – it’s difficult to know where or how they get your information.

Recently, we sent a package to our daughter via UPS (United Postal Service). The next day I received a fraudulent text from USPS (US Post Office) saying they were holding the package as there was not enough postage. They requested further information from me. I came close to replying but then read it again, carefully, and realized it was a scam.

Below are some common (and clever) scams – they most often appear in your “junk or spam” folder or via text.

Supposedly from:

USPS (US Post Office) – a notice about a package either sent or being held for various reasons. If you have sent or are expecting a something, it is best to go to the Post office and inquire.

Amazon (or other on-line stores you may shop from) – these notices, which can look authentic, may be vague about the order but again, asking for you for information.

Usually, Amazon and others will include specific information about what you ordered, when etc. If you feel something might be wrong, check directly with the company from where you placed the order.

Fake shopping sites. For their ads, many of these sites use photos and logos the scammers steal from legitimate businesses. Low prices are often an indication of fraud – especially if you know something is usually an expensive item. Don’t click on the link – it will take you to a fake business who is happy to take your money but will either send you something different than was advertised or send nothing at all.

Ways to protect yourself from on-line shopping scams:

Do research. Especially before you buy from an unfamiliar seller, search online for the name of the seller plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “fraud.”

Check the terms of the sale. Look at the price, other charges, their refund policy, who pays for return shipping, and if there is a restocking fee.

Pay by credit card (not a bank Debit card) whenever possible. Credit cards offer more protections and give you the option to dispute charges if what you get isn’t what you ordered, or you get nothing at all.

Never buy from online sellers who demand you pay with:

• Gift Cards
• Wire Transfers
• Payment apps
• Cryptocurrency- (Only scammers tell you to pay that way)

Others to beware of:

Grandparent scam: A caller says he is your loved one (grandchild, niece/nephew) and in a bind somewhere. They need money to fly home for an emergency, in trouble with the law – whatever the situation, money is needed immediately. With AI (artificial intelligence) rapidly emerging, it is even possible for your loved one’s voices to be realistic.

Romance scam: Many people are meeting on-line these days and forging long-lasting relationships. There are those, however, who are posing as potential partners. Warning signs – declaration of love within days or weeks, planning for your future together when you have never even met, needing money so they can come to meet you in person or any request for money is a RED FLAG.

Sorry – wrong number – but the caller tries to engage you in conversation or continues to send texts. Do not continue to engage with someone who calls you “accidentally.”

Of course, there are other swindles out there and new ones are cropping up on a regular basis. It is possible to be cautious without becoming cynical. Be sure to read the emails or texts carefully – looking closely at email addresses and misspelled business names. Don’t be shy about calling your bank or business directly to inquire about the correspondence. Use common sense – if anything sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Families, if you know your loved one may be vulnerable, talk with them about the importance of being vigilant and encourage them to come to you for advice if they have any sense that something is not right.

Lastly, do not be embarrassed if you are a victim in one of these scams. Contact your local police to report it – that is the best way to help prevent these sorts of crimes.

Stay safe and have a joyous Christmas.