The holidays bring out the best in most people—family gatherings, traditions we look forward to, and a little more generosity in the air. Unfortunately, they also bring out a wave of seasonal scams that tend to target seniors more than anyone else. Between online shopping deals, charity drives, travel bookings, and end-of-year financial tasks, this time of year creates the perfect storm for scammers who know exactly how to take advantage of the rush.
If you have aging parents or loved ones, the holidays are a good time to gently check in. Not in a “Let me take over” way, but in the same spirit that you’d help with gift wrapping or carrying groceries. A quick conversation now can prevent bigger issues later.
Why Scams Spike During the Holidays
Scammers know people are busier, more distracted, and making more financial transactions than usual. Seniors, in particular, may be:
- Ordering gifts online and navigating unfamiliar websites
- Responding to holiday “special offers” or emails that look legitimate
- Donating to charities without realizing the organization isn’t real
- Receiving more packages (and more “delivery problem” texts)
- Handling end-of-year financial tasks, benefits renewals, and account clean-up
All of these open the door for phishing attempts, fake invoices, bogus sweepstakes, and requests for personal information.
Ways to Support Loved Ones Without Being Overbearing
You don’t need to lecture anyone or sit them down with a warning pamphlet. Small, practical steps go a long way:
1. Do a quick password check together.
The goal isn’t to memorize everything—just to make sure passwords aren’t being reused everywhere or written on sticky notes next to the computer.
2. Review online shopping habits.
Look for safe websites, talk about how to spot fake ads, and set up two-factor authentication on accounts like Amazon or PayPal.
3. Sort through holiday emails and texts.
If something looks odd—misspelled sender names, weird links, “urgent” messages—flag it together. Seniors often just want a second set of eyes.
4. Double-check charities.
If your loved one is donating this season, help them look up the organization through a trusted source like Charity Navigator or the IRS database before giving.
5. Make sure estate and financial documents are private and secure.
Scammers sometimes try to trick seniors into sharing Social Security numbers, bank information, or details about wills or trusts. Reinforce that legitimate institutions won’t reach out asking for these things over email or text.
Consider a Holiday “Safety Update”
This doesn’t have to be formal—think of it as a seasonal checklist, like pulling out decorations or planning travel. A quick review of:
- Account beneficiaries
- Contact information for financial institutions
- Where key estate documents are stored
- Who their trusted decision-makers are
can give everyone peace of mind heading into the new year.
A Little Awareness Makes a Big Difference
Most seniors don’t fall for scams because they’re careless—they fall for them because scammers are good at acting familiar and friendly. A supportive conversation, a five-minute tech check, or simply being available to look over an email can prevent real financial harm.
If you’d like help reviewing your loved one’s estate planning documents or putting stronger protections in place for the upcoming year, Roth Elder Law is here to support you. You can reach out through our website’s contact form, or call our office at 607-962-6162, and a member of our team will follow up to schedule a time to talk.