The holiday spirit can make people feel more generous. They go on holiday shopping sprees, purchasing gifts for family and friends. They might also be more likely to give to charitable organizations. Unfortunately, scammers know the effect the holiday spirit has on people, and they take advantage of it. There are several seasonal scams that caregivers for aging adults should be aware of so that they can help to avoid them. Below are some common holiday hoaxes to beware of.

Package Theft
Many people do a lot of their holiday shopping online. When packages are delivered, they are often left at the front door where they are easily visible to passersby. According to AARP, about 23 million Americans are victims of package theft each year. To avoid having your senior parent’s packages stolen, choose delivery options that require a signature. Or, you can have items delivered to the local store location for pick up. Amazon also offers pick up at an Amazon Locker.

Online Fraud
With the increased use of chip card readers, there is less fraud occurring in stores. Unfortunately, that means that scammers have turned their attention to online schemes. To avoid online fraud, shop only on secured sites. Make sure the site’s URL includes “https” and not just “http.” The extra “s” indicates the site is secure.

Fake Free Stuff
During the holidays, you might notice an uptick in emails that claim the recipient has won something or can get something for free by clicking on a link. These are often attempts to install malware on the user’s computer or to steal personal information, including credit card information.

False Charities
Some scammers take advantage of the generosity of the holidays by making calls that pretend to be from real charitable organizations. Or, they set up fake charities. They attempt to get users to send money to them. They might also send emails or text messages requesting donations. Rather than providing credit card information over the phone or responding to an email, people who want to give should go directly to the charity’s website, call the organization, or mail donations to the organization’s known address.

Having a professional in-home caregiver who comes to your parent’s home to assist them during the day can also help them to avoid scams. A professional caregiver can answer the door when packages are delivered. They can also help your parent to avoid fraudulent websites by answering questions they might have. Professional caregivers can also field phone calls, weeding out calls from fake charities.

Sources
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2017/holiday-season-scams-photo.html
https://www.bbb.org/holidayscams/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/reneemorad/2016/11/30/5-naughty-scams-to-watch-out-for-this-holiday-season/#2127abf93b70

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Caregivers in Palm Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at 561­-829­-3080 Today.