For scam artists, it’s the season of taking

They say it is the season of giving, but for scam artists it is the season of taking.

“He actually gave money via a phone call with his credit card and we had to cancel the credit card,” Palm Springs resident M ary Yahnke told CBS Local 2’s and KESQ News Channel 3’s Katie Widner.

Yahnke said having her elderly father taken advantage of was a big reminder.

“As our parents age, we have to be more aware for them because it happens slowly,” Yahnke said. “And you don’t realize that they’re becoming more and more susceptible to victimization.”

Attorney-turned-s enior advocate M arta Chaikovska said she sees it all the time.

“They need extra help so they are already starting out on a disadvantage, and they’re not as tech savvy, maybe, as the rest of us,” Chaikovska said.

The possibilities are endless, especially during the holiday season. S cammers can capitalize online, over the phone or even at home.

“Don’t let strangers in your house if you’re not expecting someone from the water company or the gas company,” said Jack Newby, program director for the M izell S enior Center in Palm Springs. “It could be someone that’s trying to scope out your house and see if you would be a target for a break-in.”

Newby added that Facebook can really give criminals a leg up.

“If they put a lot of information in there, they can get a phone call that sounds like it’s real, like it’s from a family member because they get the names from the F acebook account saying they’re stranded or need the money and please wire money and things like that,” said Newby.

Both Newby and Chaikovska said seniors often lack the support system of immediate family who can help clarify a situation or validate an organization. They said the safest bet is to donate to a charity you are familiar with.

“If you’re going to donate or give money to somebody, make sure you know who these people are. Preferably donate to a charity that you know and only give within your means, and never, ever over the phone,” said Chaikovska.

The Palm Springs Police Department provided CBS Local 2 and KESQ News Channel 3 with the following resources on various scams and even a way to check the authenticity of a charity.

For more information on online shopping safety: http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st07-001

For more information on safely handling email attachments: http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-010

To review the Federal Trade Commission’s Charity Checklist: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity

Verify charity authenticity through a trusted contact number. Trusted contact information can be found on the Better Business Bureau’s National Charity Report Index: http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/

For more information on recognizing and avoiding email scams: http://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/emailscams_0905.pdf

For more information on how to avoid social engineering and phishing attacks: http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-014

If you have a senior in need, senior advocate Marta Chaikovska can be reached at (760) 702-5100. The Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs holds occasional workshops on recognizing and avoiding fraud.