Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, thousands of people will become victims of holiday scams. Fraudsters can scam you of your money, personal information, and, at the very least, a festive holiday mood.

Alot of scammers also view the holiday season as an opportunity to take advantage of the giving spirit. They make bogus phone calls, often spoofing legitimate charities' phone numbers, or may even create fake charities to try to steal your money or personal information.

Here are some tips for what to watch out for during the holidays this year.

• Don’t click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on social media. Phishing scams and similar crimes get you to click on links and give up personal information like your name, password, and bank account number. In some cases, you may unknowingly download malware to your device. 

• Avoid paying for items with pre-paid gift cards. In these scams, a seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for your payment, the scammer will steal the funds, and you’ll never receive your item. 

• Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process.

• Pay by credit card. Credit cards give you extra protection for most online purchases. And many cards offer benefits, like protection for returns and purchases. If unauthorized charges pop up on your statement, you’ll be able to dispute those charges. 

• Donate to trusted, well-known charities. Beware of scammers who create fake charities. Always verify a charity's legitimacy through its official website. If you have doubts, you can check with Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

• Verify information in online solicitations. Double-check any social media solicitation for charitable donations before you give. Crowd-funding websites often host individual requests for help, but they are not always vetted by the site or other sources to ensure legitimacy.

The Illinois SMP is also here to offer assistance if you feel you have been affected by any potential Medicare fraud, please call the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800)699-9043 or visit www.illinoissmp.org.

November and December 2023 SMP Workshops

November 22, 2023, at 11:00 am – Spanish Bingo  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel. (1101 N 23rd Ave. Melrose Park, IL 60160) 

November 30th at 1:00 pm – SMP presentation and Bingo with Pathlights 

Lemont Public Library (50 E. Wend Street Lemont, IL 60439) 

December 1st at 11:00 am – Presentations Joint Event with SMP 

Maywood Public Library District (121 S 5th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153) 

Dec 7th at 1:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO   

Valley Kingdom Community Center (5217 w 149th St, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452) 

December 8th at 2:30 pm – Spanish SMP Bingo 

Clyde Park District (1909 S Laramie Ave, Cicero, Illinois 60804) 

December 13th at 11:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo Group #2 

LAMDA Community Center (6112 W Cermak Rd, Cicero, Illinois 60804) 

December 20th at 11:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel. (1101 N 23rd Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160)

Have a wonderful week and holiday season!

Travis Trumitch

travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org