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.
The Top 3 Scams to Watch Out for in March: How to Protect Yourself
As March kicks into gear, so do scammers, adapting their schemes to target vulnerable individuals with new tactics. Whether through taxes, romance, or fake investment opportunities, scammers are always looking for ways to exploit unsuspecting people. In this blog, we’ll dive into the three most popular scams making rounds in March and provide tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to these traps.
1. Tax Scams: Exploiting Tax Season Anxiety
March is prime time for tax-related scams, as people prepare to file their tax returns. Scammers take advantage of the confusion and urgency surrounding tax season to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees.
Common Tax Scams
- Fake IRS or Tax Authority Calls: Scammers impersonate the IRS or local tax agencies, threatening legal action, arrest, or heavy fines unless immediate payment is made. They often demand payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are difficult to trace.
- Tax Return Phishing Emails: Fraudulent emails or texts claim to be from the IRS, asking recipients to verify personal information or resolve “issues” with their tax return. These messages typically contain malicious links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your identity.
- Tax Preparer Fraud: In some cases, fraudsters pose as tax preparers, offering to file your taxes but instead steal your personal information and tax refund.
How to Protect Yourself
- The IRS and legitimate tax agencies will never demand payment over the phone or through email. Always verify the legitimacy of the call by contacting the agency directly through official channels.
- Never provide personal information like your Social Security number over the phone or by clicking on unsolicited email links.
- Only use trusted tax preparers and check their credentials. Be cautious of any preparer who promises unusually large refunds.
2. Romance Scams: AI-Enhanced Scams on the Rise
March is also seeing a surge in online romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional relationships to steal money from their victims. These scams have become more advanced, using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create realistic conversations and even fake photos or videos of their fictional identities.
How Romance Scams Work
- Fake Profiles: Scammers create fake online dating profiles or social media accounts, using stolen or computer-generated photos. They pretend to be interested in forming a relationship, often targeting lonely individuals.
- Emotional Manipulation: Over time, they build trust and an emotional bond, eventually asking for financial help for an emergency, medical bills, or travel expenses to visit the victim.
- AI-Generated Deepfakes: Some scammers now use AI tools to create convincing fake videos or live chats, making it harder for victims to realize they’re being scammed.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be cautious of anyone who falls in love too quickly or avoids meeting in person or on video calls.
- If you suspect something is off, perform a reverse image search of their profile photos to see if they’ve been used elsewhere online.
- Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person. Scammers often claim they have sudden financial emergencies or travel expenses that require your help.
3. Cryptocurrency Scams: Riding the Wave of Digital Gold Rush
With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, scammers are increasingly targeting crypto enthusiasts with promises of fast, easy money. In March, these scams are particularly widespread, driven by the volatility of certain cryptocurrencies and the lack of regulation in the space.
Popular Crypto Scams
- Pump-and-Dump Schemes: Scammers promote obscure or worthless cryptocurrencies, claiming they are the “next big thing.” They encourage people to invest, driving up the price artificially. Once the value increases, the scammers sell their shares, leaving other investors with massive losses.
- Fake Crypto Investment Platforms: Fraudsters create convincing but fraudulent cryptocurrency exchanges or investment platforms. They lure people in with promises of huge returns, but once funds are deposited, the scammers disappear.
- Impersonating Celebrities or Influencers: Scammers often claim that famous people are endorsing a particular cryptocurrency or investment opportunity. They use fake social media ads or messages to give the scam legitimacy and encourage others to invest.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always research any cryptocurrency before investing, especially new or lesser-known tokens. Be skeptical of promises of guaranteed returns or “secret” investment strategies.
- Use well-established, regulated cryptocurrency exchanges. Avoid unknown or unverified platforms.
- Don’t fall for investment opportunities promoted by celebrities, especially on social media. Verify any claims independently before making financial commitments.
Conclusion
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and adaptive, taking advantage of new technologies and people’s vulnerabilities. In March, tax scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams are on the rise, each targeting different aspects of our lives. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay skeptical, double-check sources, and never share sensitive information or send money to unknown individuals or platforms. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Stay safe this March, and be mindful of these scams circulating online and in your communities.
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!