Ask Scam Watcher Donna J. Jodhan – Scams to Watch for in February

Donna J. Jodhan is a world-renowned advocate, author, blogger, sight-loss coach, dinner mystery writer and producer, entrepreneur, law graduate, and podcast commentator.
Donna has been in the business since 2000, and her many roles have allowed her to recognize that there is a growing need for consumers and clients to be made aware of some of the most dangerous and popular scams.

Donna herself has been unwittingly scammed over the years a few times, and now she is using her skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise to help others avoid pitfalls and heartache. And as a vision-impaired professional and person, she is ready to help you stay ahead! Donna knows only too well how much we all need to work overtime to protect the most vulnerable from those unscrupulous scammers!

Please read her latest suite of scams. She would love to hear from you with your own feedback.


A zoomed-in view of a phone screen showing caller ID as it identifies a scammer is calling.

3 Common Scams to Watch Out for in February
February might be a short month, but it’s packed with opportunities for scammers to target unsuspecting victims. As winter drags on and people focus on their New Year’s resolutions, fraudsters are busy crafting new schemes. Here are three common scams to watch out for this February:

  1. Valentine’s Day Scams
    Love is in the air, but so are scammers. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, beware of fake romance scams. Fraudsters often create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, luring individuals into emotional relationships to eventually ask for money. Be cautious of anyone who seems overly eager or requests financial help early in your interactions. Remember, if something feels off, it’s worth investigating further.
  2. Tax Season Phishing
    As tax season kicks off, scammers ramp up their efforts to steal your personal information. Watch out for phishing emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS or tax preparation services, asking for your social security number or bank details. Official tax communications will never ask for sensitive information via email or text. Always verify the authenticity of any correspondence by contacting the organization directly using official channels.
  3. Winter Weather-Related Scams
    February often brings harsh winter weather, and scammers take advantage of this by offering fraudulent home repair services or emergency assistance. Be wary of unsolicited offers for snow removal, roof repairs, or heating system fixes. Always research contractors thoroughly, check reviews, and get multiple quotes before agreeing to any service. Scammers might also exploit winter weather-related charity appeals, so ensure any donations go to legitimate organizations by verifying their credentials.

Stay vigilant and informed to keep these scams at bay. If you encounter suspicious activity, report it to the appropriate authorities to help protect others from falling victim.


Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com

Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca

Or call us at 416 491-7711

 

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