Scams that follow the calendar
The same tricks come back at the same time every year.
All year round
- A call “from your bank” about fraud. Put the phone down and call the number on your card.
- A call saying a grandchild is in trouble and begging you to tell nobody. Hurry and secrecy are the method. Hang up and call the number you already have for them.
- A pop-up saying your computer is infected, with a number to call. A web page cannot scan your computer. Close the tab.
Read the free guide about this
January to April: tax time
Calls, texts and emails claiming to be from the IRS, often about a refund or a debt. A letter or notice is the first way the IRS contacts anybody, and no government agency is ever paid in gift cards.
Read the free guide about this
Around Valentine’s Day
Somebody kind writes every day, moves quickly to love, and can never meet or come on camera. Money comes later. Money asked for by somebody you have never met is the line.
Read the free guide about this
October 15 to December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment
Calls offering a “better Medicare plan” or asking for your Medicare number. Medicare says it will never call you to sell you anything. Do not join a plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help yourself.
Read the free guide about this
November and December: parcels and prizes
A text says a package is held until a small fee is paid, or a message says you have won something. Carriers do not text strangers for money, and a genuine prize never costs money to collect. Check your order in the app you already have.
Read the free guide about this
Whenever it is
Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov. It helps the next person, and it is free.