WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Justice Department is warning of increased online ruses targeting older adults during the holiday season. Common scams include fake online stores, missed delivery notifications, gift card scams, fake charities, and phishing emails. Employment scams also surge during the holidays, targeting those seeking seasonal jobs. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to online fraud, reporting over $3 billion in losses each year. Some tips to avoid falling victim to scams include not sharing personal information, avoiding fees for prizes, deleting phishing emails, and saying “NO” to high-pressure sales pitches. To report elder fraud, call the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, and for online scams, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or local law enforcement.


