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 to watch out for, and she would love to hear from you with your own feedback.
Ask the Scam Watcher – September 2024
The Top 3 Scams to Watch Out for in September
As we head into September, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against scammers who are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are the top three scams to be aware of this month:
- Phishing Scams with a Seasonal Twist: With the end of summer and the start of school, scammers are capitalizing on these transitions to craft convincing phishing emails. Expect messages that claim to be from educational institutions, seasonal retailers, or even school-related charities. These emails often include urgent requests for personal information or direct you to fake websites that look strikingly similar to legitimate ones. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages.
- Charity Scams Exploiting Natural Disasters: September often brings heightened weather activity, and scammers use this to their advantage by creating fake charity appeals. They exploit natural disasters or significant global events to solicit donations, pretending to support disaster relief efforts. If you receive a donation request, especially from unfamiliar organizations, research the charity thoroughly before contributing. Check for official website URLs and look up reviews or ratings from reputable sources.
- Online Marketplace Fraud: As the holiday season approaches, many people start their shopping early, making online marketplaces a prime target for fraud. Scammers set up fake listings for high-demand items, such as electronics or popular gifts, at unusually low prices. Once you make a purchase, the scammer disappears, and you’re left without the product or a way to get your money back. Stick to well-known and secure platforms, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Always use secure payment methods and read reviews from other buyers before making a purchase.
Staying informed and cautious can help protect you from falling victim to these scams. Be skeptical of unsolicited requests, do your research, and verify information before acting. Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your personal and financial information this September and beyond.
Contact info:
- Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca, www.donnajodhan.com, and www.sterlingcreations.com!
- Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca
- Or call us at (416) 491-7711