Pulaski Times

As the holiday season approaches, it is important to be cautious of scams that exploit people's generosity. Criminals often use this time to deceive individuals by pretending to be in distress or in need of financial help.

The Arkansas Attorney General's office frequently encounters cases where residents are misled by scammers. A common scheme involves a supposed friend, often described as a fiancé, who claims to be stranded abroad due to a series of unfortunate events. This narrative is designed to elicit sympathy and prompt victims to send money.

Such scams highlight the importance of skepticism when approached for money online. Impersonation on social media is another tactic used by fraudsters, who may hack into accounts or create fake profiles using familiar names. The Attorney General noted that sharp-eyed constituents have helped identify scam accounts impersonating her.

Older Americans are particularly vulnerable to these schemes. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), recurring fraud themes targeting seniors include romance scams, tech support fraud, pleas for help from grandchildren, and home repair cons. In 2023 alone, losses reported by those over 60 amounted to more than $3.4 billion.

However, people of all ages can fall victim during the holidays. It is crucial to ensure purchases are made from legitimate websites and donations go to genuine charities. Resources such as the IC3 website (www.ic3.gov) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.consumer.ftc.gov/scams) offer guidance on safe buying and donating practices.

Victims of scams should report incidents to these resources and local authorities. The Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division provides information on prevalent scams in the state and advice on protection measures.

By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones throughout the holiday season and beyond.