The danger is even higher at this
time of year, in the rush of gift-buying, seasonal parties, and holiday travel. However, experts say there is a way
to avoid falling into this trap: Slow down, pause, and verify. Not everything delivered to your
inbox is trustworthy. Watch out for any false sense of
urgency. The CEO doesn’t need you to go to your local retailer now to purchase 50 Amazon gift cards because they’re in a meeting and can’t talk! Your bank doesn’t need to verify
your access credentials. Your electric utility isn’t going
to suddenly cut you off unless you immediately send them your banking information and Social Security number. Don’t respond — plain and
Don’t respond — plain and simple. Block unknown email addresses and phone numbers and text notifications, such as those pesky toll road violations — they are scams.
simple. Block unknown email addresses and phone numbers and text notifications, such as those pesky toll road violations — they are scams. Also watch out for: Unfamiliar display names,
misspellings, or bad grammar. Suspicious email addresses. A
major bank or utility does not use Gmail or an overseas address. Attachments (fake bank statement
links, invoices, medical records, direct deposit requests, wire
problems with your computer, and their pop-ups will never ask you to make a call or click a link.
5
support number, and they request remote access to your computer. The criminals can now access all of the information on your machine and also install malware. How to stay safe:
Legitimate tech companies won’t call, email, or text about
GOVERNMENT IMPOSTERS A
n IRS agent contacts you and tells you that you owe back taxes and
must pay immediately. If you don’t, they will have the police send you to jail. Or they may ask for your personal information to confirm your innocence or to receive a tax refund. How to stay safe: Even if you really
owe on your taxes, you probably would have received letters from the IRS. Also, the IRS won’t immediately send you
to jail — there would be a process you would be aware of prior to any criminal punishment. Always remember:
If they contacted you. When you contact a business, you know who’s on the other end of the line. But when someone contacts you first, you can’t be certain they’re telling the truth. Email addresses and caller IDs can be faked.
If they dangle bait — usually money. If someone dangles bait in front of you — a big prize, a shopping spree, an easy loan — for nothing, they’re probably lying.
If you have to pay them first. If someone offers you a prize, debt relief, or employment — but first you have to pay an upfront fee to get it — you’re probably being scammed.
DECEMBER 2025 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 85
CREDIT CARD DECLINED The BBB’s Scam Tracker
says many consumers’ credit cards are declined while making an online purchase. Typically, they try using a different card, but that one fails, too. And yet despite the card- declined notices, the charges have
actually occurred for each transaction. How to
stay safe: Always use a credit card rather than a debit card, because credit cards offer stronger fraud protections. If you receive an unsolicited offer, ignore it.
your friend or family member in dire need, inventing a
6
EMERGENCIES Someone calls or emails claiming to be
transfers, mortgage documents, voicemails, etc.). Unknown meeting invites. Never accept, decline, or reply. Just delete.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If someone calls, texts, emails, or mails you asking for your personal information — e.g., Social Security number, credit card number, bank account info, passwords — do not give it to them. You are your last line of defense.
situation that you must respond to immediately — with your money. How to stay
safe: No matter how dire the situation is, you
can wait a few minutes before giving away your money. To confirm they are who they say, ask specific personal questions that only a real friend or family member would know. Or even better, use contact information you know for that person to reach out to them separately to confirm the story.
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