Know When Scammers Strike:
Your Year-Round Protection Guide
Scammers operate on a calendar — targeting victims when they're most vulnerable. Tax season brings IRS impersonators. The holidays flood inboxes with fake shopping deals. Natural disasters trigger charity scams.
This calendar shows you exactly when to be extra vigilant. Bookmark this page and check it monthly.
❄️ Winter January – March
Tax Identity Theft
Scammers file fraudulent tax returns using stolen SSNs to claim refunds before victims file their legitimate returns. Peak runs through April.
Protection Tips
- File your taxes as early as possible
- Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN
- Monitor your credit reports
- Never share SSN unless legally required
- If your e-filing is rejected, contact IRS immediately
IRS Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as IRS agents via phone, email, or text, threatening arrest, legal action, or deportation if immediate payment isn't made via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto.
Protection Tips
- The IRS never initiates contact via phone, email, text, or social media
- IRS never demands immediate payment via specific methods
- IRS won't threaten arrest or deportation
- Verify any IRS notice by calling 1-800-829-1040
- Report to Treasury Inspector General: 1-800-366-4484
Fake Tax Preparation Services
Fraudulent tax preparers charge inflated fees, claim bogus deductions, promise unrealistic refunds, or steal refunds entirely. Red flags: refuses to sign returns, bases fees on refund percentage, guarantees large refunds.
Protection Tips
- Use only IRS-authorized preparers (check IRS directory)
- Verify preparer has PTIN (Preparer Tax ID)
- Never sign blank tax forms
- Ensure refund goes to YOUR account
- Review return before e-filing
New Year's Resolution Scams
Fake offers for weight loss products, gym memberships, debt consolidation, and self-improvement programs promising unrealistic results.
Protection Tips
- Research companies thoroughly before purchasing
- Check reviews on multiple platforms
- Be wary of "miracle" claims or "guaranteed" results
- Read all terms and cancellation policies
- Avoid programs requiring large upfront payments
Winter Storm / Weather Emergency Scams
Scammers offer urgent home repair, snow removal, heating repair, or roof work after storms — demanding upfront payment and disappearing. Door-to-door solicitation after storms is a major red flag.
Protection Tips
- Never hire contractors who show up unsolicited
- Verify licenses and insurance
- Get multiple written estimates
- Check references and online reviews
- Never pay full amount upfront (10–30% deposit max)
- Get written contracts with detailed scope
Utility Disconnection Scams
Scammers impersonate utility companies claiming overdue bills and threatening immediate disconnection unless paid via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto. Winter cold increases urgency and effectiveness.
Protection Tips
- Utility companies never demand immediate payment via gift cards
- They don't threaten same-day disconnection
- Hang up and call your utility using the number on your bill
- Legitimate companies send written notices before disconnection
Valentine's Day Romance Scams
Scammers create fake dating profiles, build emotional connections, then request money for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or business opportunities. They profess love quickly and never meet in person.
Protection Tips
- Never send money to someone you've never met in person
- Do reverse image searches on profile photos
- Be skeptical of sob stories and emergencies
- Insist on video calls before any financial help
- Tell trusted friends about online relationships
- Report to dating platform and IC3.gov
🌱 Spring March – May
Easter Shopping Scams
Fake websites offer discounted Easter decorations, baskets, candy, and gifts. Items are counterfeit, never delivered, or significantly different from advertised.
Protection Tips
- Shop from reputable, established retailers
- Check domain names carefully (avoid misspellings)
- Look for HTTPS and secure payment options
- Use credit cards for better fraud protection
- Check reviews on independent sites
Home Improvement / Contractor Scams
Scammers pose as contractors offering discounted roofing, siding, driveway repair, or painting. They demand large upfront payments, perform shoddy work, or disappear. Red flags: door-to-door solicitation, "leftover materials," cash-only.
Protection Tips
- Verify contractor license and insurance
- Check BBB ratings and online reviews
- Get 3+ written estimates
- Never pay more than 10–30% upfront
- Require detailed written contracts
- Pay with credit card for dispute rights
Vacation Rental Scams
Scammers post fake listings for vacation rentals using stolen photos. They collect deposits for properties they don't own or that don't exist. Red flags: prices significantly below market, wire transfer requests, landlord "out of country."
Protection Tips
- Book through reputable platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)
- Reverse image search property photos
- Verify address on Google Maps/Street View
- Never wire money or use untraceable payment
- Speak with owner via video call
- Get written rental agreement
Fake Scholarship Scams
Scammers offer "guaranteed" scholarships requiring upfront fees. Red flags: "You've been selected," requires payment, guarantees awards, high-pressure tactics.
Protection Tips
- Legitimate scholarships never require payment
- Search free databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
- Verify through school financial aid office
- Be skeptical of unsolicited scholarship offers
Wedding Vendor Scams
Scammers pose as wedding photographers, caterers, DJs, or venue coordinators. They take deposits and disappear, or provide vastly substandard services.
Protection Tips
- Meet vendors in person before booking
- Check reviews on multiple platforms
- Ask for references from recent clients
- Get detailed written contracts
- Pay with credit card when possible
Moving Company Scams
Fraudulent movers give low estimates then demand additional fees before unloading. They may hold belongings hostage, damage items, or disappear with possessions.
Protection Tips
- Use licensed interstate movers (FMCSA for cross-state)
- Get in-home estimates from 3+ companies
- Check USDOT number and complaint history
- Verify insurance coverage
- Never pay full amount upfront
- Document condition of items before move
Graduation / Summer Job Scams
Fake job postings target graduates and students. Scammers request payment for training, background checks, equipment, or offer fake checks for overpayment.
Protection Tips
- Research company thoroughly
- Never pay for job opportunities
- Be wary of work-from-home "opportunities"
- Don't provide SSN until after legitimate job offer
- Meet via video call before accepting
☀️ Summer June – August
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Scammers offer to reduce or eliminate student loans in exchange for upfront fees or FSA login credentials. Legitimate programs never charge fees.
Protection Tips
- Legitimate forgiveness programs never charge fees
- Apply directly through StudentAid.gov
- Never share FSA ID or login credentials
- Verify programs through Dept. of Education
- Report to FTC and CFPB
Fake Travel Agency / Booking Scams
Fake travel websites offer deals on flights, hotels, cruises, or vacation packages. Bookings are never made or are fraudulent. Red flags: drastically below-market prices, wire transfer only, no phone contact.
Protection Tips
- Book through established, reputable agencies
- Verify bookings directly with hotels/airlines
- Use credit cards for fraud protection
- Check domain registration age
- Be wary of social media ads for travel
Event Ticket Scams (Concerts, Sports)
Counterfeit, duplicate, or non-existent tickets sold for concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Victims discover fraud when tickets are rejected at the venue.
Protection Tips
- Buy only from official venues or authorized sellers
- Use verified resale platforms (StubHub, Ticketmaster Resale)
- Avoid social media marketplace ticket sales
- Pay with credit card for dispute rights
- Screenshot all communications and receipts
Hurricane / Natural Disaster Scams
After hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, scammers pose as contractors, FEMA representatives, or charities. They offer repair services, fake assistance, or solicit donations that never reach victims.
Protection Tips
- FEMA never charges application fees
- Verify contractors thoroughly before hiring
- Donate to established charities only (check Charity Navigator)
- Document all property damage before repairs
- Report disaster fraud: 866-720-5721
- Apply for FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov only
Fake Landscaping / Pool Cleaning Services
Discounted lawn care, pool maintenance, or tree removal offers. Scammers take deposits and never return, or cause property damage. Red flag: unsolicited door-to-door offers, cash-only.
Protection Tips
- Get multiple estimates for major work
- Verify business license and insurance
- Check online reviews and references
- Get written contracts with scope of work
- Never pay full amount upfront
🍂 Fall September – November
Back-to-School Scams
Fake offers for school supplies, electronics, tutoring services, or scholarship opportunities targeting parents and students.
Protection Tips
- Purchase from reputable retailers
- Verify scholarship offers through school
- Research tutoring services thoroughly
- Buy textbooks from authorized sellers
- Check school's list of approved vendors
Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus companies via pop-ups, phone calls, or emails claiming your device is infected. They request remote access and payment for fake repairs.
Protection Tips
- Tech companies never initiate support calls
- Don't call numbers from pop-up warnings
- Never grant remote access to unsolicited callers
- Use legitimate security software
- Contact tech support through official websites only
- Report to FTC and IC3.gov
Fake Job Training & Certification Scams
Training programs or certifications guaranteeing high-paying jobs, requiring significant fees for worthless or non-existent credentials.
Protection Tips
- Verify program accreditation independently
- Research employer recognition of certification
- Be skeptical of guaranteed employment
- Compare costs with legitimate programs
- Check with Better Business Bureau
Halloween Costume / Candy Scams
Fake websites sell counterfeit costumes, decorations, or candy at drastically low prices using stolen product photos. Items are poor quality or never delivered.
Protection Tips
- Shop from established retailers
- Check domain age and reviews
- Use reverse image search on products
- Use credit cards for purchases
- Order early to have time to dispute
Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives offering "better" plans, requesting personal information, Medicare numbers, or bank details. Open enrollment runs Oct 15 – Dec 7.
Protection Tips
- Medicare never calls you unsolicited
- Don't share Medicare number over phone
- Verify agents through Medicare.gov
- Work with licensed insurance agents only
- Report to: 1-800-MEDICARE
🎄 Holiday Season November – January
Online Shopping Scams
Fake e-commerce sites sell counterfeit products, never ship items, or send something completely different. Particularly targets Black Friday/Cyber Monday shoppers.
Protection Tips
- Shop from known, reputable websites
- Check domain spelling carefully
- Verify HTTPS and padlock icon
- Use credit cards (better fraud protection)
- Be skeptical of social media ads
- Save screenshots of orders and confirmations
Fake Package Delivery Scams
Phishing texts/emails about package delivery issues, failed deliveries, or customs fees. Links lead to fake sites stealing payment info. Impersonated brands: USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon.
Protection Tips
- Don't click links in unsolicited messages
- Check tracking directly on carrier website
- Legitimate carriers don't request payment via text
- Use official carrier apps for tracking
- Report phishing to carrier and FTC
Holiday Charity Scams
Scammers pose as charities or create fakes with similar names. They collect donations via phone, email, social media, or door-to-door. Red flags: high-pressure, gift card requests, vague mission.
Protection Tips
- Research charities on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
- Verify tax-exempt status
- Donate directly through official websites
- Never donate via gift cards or wire transfers
- Report fraudulent charities to your state AG
Gift Card Scams
Drained or counterfeit gift cards, or demands for payment in gift cards for fake bills, taxes, or prizes. Gift cards are untraceable once used. No legitimate organization requests gift card payment.
Protection Tips
- Buy gift cards only from reputable retailers
- Inspect packaging for tampering
- Government agencies never accept gift cards
- Register cards immediately after purchase
- Report drained cards to retailer immediately
Secret Shopper / Mystery Shopper Scams
Fake secret shopper positions with fraudulent checks to "test" money transfer services. Victims deposit checks, wire money, then discover checks bounced.
Protection Tips
- Legitimate mystery shopping never requires upfront payment
- Real companies don't send checks before work
- Never deposit checks and wire money
- Research via Mystery Shopping Providers Association
Family Emergency / Grandparent Scams
Scammers impersonate distressed family members calling with urgent emergencies needing immediate money for bail, medical help, or car accidents. "Don't tell Mom and Dad." Increases when families are separated during holidays.
Protection Tips
- Hang up and call family member directly on known number
- Verify story with other family members
- Establish family code words for emergencies
- Never send money before verification
- Use video calls to confirm identity
Fake Subscription Renewal Scams
Phishing emails about expiring subscriptions (Amazon Prime, Netflix, antivirus) requesting payment info or offering "special" renewal rates.
Protection Tips
- Don't click links in renewal emails
- Log into accounts directly through browser
- Check subscription status in account settings
- Verify sender email addresses carefully
- Use password managers to access sites safely
🔄 Year-Round Scams
These scams don't follow a seasonal pattern. Stay vigilant always.
Cryptocurrency / Investment Scams
Fake crypto investment opportunities, pig butchering scams, Ponzi schemes, or exchange impersonation. Spikes during crypto market volatility or hype cycles.
Protection Tips
- Research before investing in any crypto
- Use only reputable, established exchanges
- Be skeptical of guaranteed returns
- Celebrity endorsements are often fake
- Never share wallet private keys
- Report to SEC, CFTC, FTC, and IC3.gov
Fake Bank Alerts / Account Takeover
Phishing emails or texts appearing from your bank about suspicious activity or account lockout. Links lead to fake sites stealing credentials.
Protection Tips
- Never click links in unsolicited messages
- Access bank through saved bookmarks or app
- Enable 2FA on all financial accounts
- Set up official bank alerts through your account
Mortgage Relief / Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Fake loan modification services or foreclosure assistance for upfront fees. They may steal your mortgage payments or home title. Spikes during economic downturns.
Protection Tips
- Contact your lender directly first
- Never pay upfront fees for loan modification
- Don't stop making mortgage payments
- Consult HUD-approved housing counselor (free)
- Report to CFPB and state AG
Work-From-Home / Remote Job Scams
Fake remote jobs requiring payment for training, equipment, or background checks. Or they send fraudulent checks for "equipment purchases." Types: envelope stuffing, data entry, package reshipping.
Protection Tips
- Research company thoroughly
- Never pay for job opportunities
- Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true pay
- Don't cash checks and wire money
- Report to FTC and job platform
Military & Veteran Benefit Scams
Scammers target service members and veterans with fake charities, VA impersonation, bogus benefits, pension buyouts, or disability assistance. Increases around Veterans Day.
Protection Tips
- Verify through official VA.gov
- Don't pay for VA benefit assistance
- Contact VA directly: 1-800-827-1000
- Report to VA OIG and FTC
AI Voice Cloning / Deepfake Scams
AI clones voices from social media videos, then calls family members pretending to be you in an emergency needing money. Rapidly increasing in frequency and sophistication.
Protection Tips
- Establish family code words for emergencies
- Hang up and call person directly on known number
- Verify through video call
- Limit voice samples posted publicly
- Check your digital footprint exposure
SIM Swap / Port-Out Scams
Criminals convince mobile carriers to transfer your phone number to their device, then bypass 2FA to access financial accounts, email, and crypto. Increased 400% since 2020.
Protection Tips
- Add PIN/password to mobile carrier account
- Use authenticator apps instead of SMS for 2FA
- If service suddenly stops, contact carrier immediately
- Report to FBI IC3.gov and FTC
Social Media Account Cloning
Scammers clone your social media profile and contact your friends/family pretending to be you, requesting money or promoting fake investment schemes.
Protection Tips
- Make profiles private
- Enable 2FA on all social accounts
- Alert friends if you discover a clone
- Report fake accounts to platform
- Audit your social media privacy
Quick Protection Tips for All Scams
Universal Red Flags
- Pressure to act immediately or urgently
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or cash
- Too-good-to-be-true offers or guaranteed results
- Requests for SSN, passwords, or account numbers
- Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional communication
- Threats of legal action, arrest, or account closure
- Unsolicited contact via phone, email, text, or social media
Protection Basics
- Verify independently before taking action
- Use strong, unique passwords with 2FA
- Keep software and devices updated
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers
- Research companies, charities, and offers
- Pay with credit cards for fraud protection
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is
If You've Been Scammed
- Contact your bank/credit card company immediately
- Change passwords on affected accounts
- Check credit reports for fraudulent accounts
- Report to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to FBI: IC3.gov
- Consider a credit freeze
- Use our Identity Theft Response Kit