R.O.S.E., Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly
As November rolls in, families across the country prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for expressing gratitude and sharing moments of togetherness. Unfortunately, it’s also a season when scams tend to be on the rise. Scammers are skilled at exploiting the holiday spirit, preying on people’s emotions and generosity. To ensure that your Thanksgiving season is filled with gratitude rather than regret, here are some essential tips on how to avoid scams in November.
Be Cautious with Charity Appeals: Thanksgiving is a time when many charitable organizations seek donations. While giving is a noble act, be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations. Verify the legitimacy of the charity, check for official websites, and consider donating directly through their site rather than over the phone or through email. Verify a charity by using their EIN (Employer ID #) and go to IRS.gov.
Beware of Fake Food Drives: Scammers may attempt to collect money for food donations under false pretenses. If someone calls you asking for food donations, be cautious. Better yet, contact a local food bank and donate directly to them. Genuine food banks typically have established collection processes.
Protect Your Personal Information: Scammers use various tricks to obtain personal information. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, calls, or texts asking for personal or financial details. Never share sensitive information with unknown sources, and be skeptical of phishing attempts.
Travel Safely: Many people travel during the Thanksgiving holiday. Be cautious of fake travel deals and unsolicited offers. Use established travel agencies and booking platforms, and double-check the website’s security features before entering your payment details.
Secure Your Devices: Scammers often target online shoppers during the holiday season. Ensure your devices are protected with updated security software and strong, unique passwords. Be cautious of suspicious emails and links related to Thanksgiving sales.
Check Online Reviews: Before making a purchase, especially for high-value items, check online reviews and ratings. Scammers may create fake websites or listings to trick shoppers. Trusted reviews can help you identify reputable sellers.
Family Safety: Educate your family members, especially the older adults, about common scams. Encourage open communication and remind them to verify the authenticity of any request for money or personal information. Verify before trust!
Stay Informed: Stay up to date with the latest scams and warnings in your area. Follow R.O.S.E. to stay current on the latest threats. Knowledge is your best defense. Visit www.roseadvocacy.org and sign up for our newsletters.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps prevent further victimization and allows law enforcement to investigate.
This Thanksgiving, as you give thanks for the blessings in your life, take a moment to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. By staying vigilant, verifying the legitimacy of requests, and using secure online practices, you can ensure that your November is a season of warmth, gratitude, and genuine togetherness, unmarred by scams or fraud.
R.O.S.E. seeks to create change by educating and providing awareness of financial scams that typically target the older/elderly population, with a focus on those age 60 and over. For more information and resources, visit www.roseadvocacy.org, email us at [email protected], or call us at 602-445-7673.