Holiday Romance Scams on the Rise: A Growing Concern for Online Security

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to spending quality time with loved ones, rekindling romance, and making new connections. However, scammers have also taken notice of these holidays focused on relationships, using them as the perfect opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals.

In an interview, Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the National Association of State Insurance Commissioners (NASIC), highlighted the tactics used by scammers to exploit trust, affection, and urgency. These scams often target people during holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas, when emotional connections are strongest.

How Scammers Exploit Holiday-Related Scams

Scammers have become increasingly skilled at using social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or sending money. Here are some common methods used by scammers:

1. Romance Scams

Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps, social media, or online platforms, often using stolen photos and fabricated backstories to build trust with potential victims. They may claim to be a romantic interest, seeking love, friendship, or companionship. Once a connection is established, scammers will use emotional manipulation to gain the victim's trust and eventually request money for various reasons.

2. Grandparent Scams

Scammers target seniors, often claiming to be their grandchild in distress. They may say they're stranded, injured, or in trouble and need financial assistance immediately. The scammer's goal is to create a sense of urgency, making the senior feel responsible for solving the problem.

3. Charity Scams

During holidays like Christmas, scammers often pose as representatives of legitimate charities, asking for donations under false pretenses. They may claim that a loved one has been hurt or ill and needs urgent financial assistance. In reality, these scams are designed to steal sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details.

4. Phony Gift Scams

Scammers send fake gift certificates or items via email or social media, claiming they're from a company like Amazon or Walmart. The victim is asked to provide payment information or return the item to complete the transaction. In some cases, scammers may also offer "discounts" or "rebates" to convince the victim into parting with their money.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

While these scams can be unsettling, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Be Cautious Online

When interacting with people online, especially during holidays when emotions run high, be cautious of:

• Urgency: Be wary of situations where someone asks for money or information immediately.
• Personalization: Legitimate organizations usually don't ask for personal data via email or social media messages.
• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Scammers often make mistakes in their communication. Be cautious if you encounter errors.

2. Verify Information

Before sending money or sharing sensitive information, verify the authenticity of:

• Charities: Research organizations to ensure they are legitimate and registered with the relevant authorities.
• Companies: Check the company's website, social media, and contact information to confirm their legitimacy.

3. Use Strong Passwords

Protect your online accounts by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your software and apps.

4. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about common scams and tactics used by scammers. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to spot and avoid these schemes.

Conclusion

As we celebrate love, friendship, and family during the holiday season, remember that scammers are also taking advantage of our emotions. By being aware of these holiday-related scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim.

Stay safe online, and happy holidays!