As we approach the holiday season, it’s a time for celebration, bonuses, and gift-giving - but unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in fraudulent emails with subject lines like “Remuneration Overview & Bonus Allocation” or messages claiming to contain “secure links” to access confidential information. These emails often look official and may even reference well-known companies or platforms.
What You Need To Know
Scammers send thousands of these messages hoping you’ll connect them to something happening in your life, like an expected bonus or a holiday gift.
Common tactics include fake Amazon purchase confirmations, urgent gift card requests (“Your boss is in a meeting and needs this now!”), or links to “secure portals.”
The IRS or Marshals or the Social Security Administration won’t call you to warn you the police are on the way to arrest you unless you pay.
Quick Safety Checklist
Pause before you click.P If something feels urgent or unusual, take a moment.
Verify the source. Contact the company or person directly using a trusted phone number or website, NOT THE ONE IN THE EMAIL OR TEXT.
Look for red flags. Misspellings, generic greetings, and unusual requests are common scam indicators. Government agencies URLs end in .gov not .net or .uk or .com
Never share personal or financial information via email or text unless you initiated the contact from a trusted number.
Never allow someone to control or access your computer or phone remotely.
Warn family and friends. Scammers often target the trusting and vulnerable.
What To Do If You Become A Victim
Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any affected accounts immediately. Inform them of the fraud and request that they freeze or monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
Change Passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, particularly financial ones. Use strong, unique passwords.
Report to the Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for fraudsters to open accounts in your name.
File a Report with the FTC: In the U.S., report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at [identitytheft.gov](https://www.identitytheft.gov). They can help create a recovery plan and provide official documentation for other institutions.
Report to Local Law Enforcement: File a police report, especially if significant financial loss occurred or personal items were stolen (e.g., wallet, ID). This report may be required by creditors as proof of identity theft.
Close Compromised Accounts: Shut down any accounts that have been fraudulently opened in your name. Contact each institution and explain that these accounts were created fraudulently.
Monitor Statements and Accounts Regularly: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as any new accounts or changes to existing ones.
Check Your Credit Report: Review your credit report for unauthorized accounts or activity. In the U.S., you’re entitled to a free credit report once a year from each credit bureau at [AnnualCreditReport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com).
At IX Legal, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a simple click can turn into a complicated legal and financial mess. Whether you’re dealing with identity theft, fraudulent accounts, IRS-related scams, or unauthorized transactions, our team is equipped to step in, protect your rights, and guide you through the recovery process. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, or if you want to proactively safeguard your business or personal accounts, contact us today by calling (212) 404-8644 or submitting a contact form on our website, ix-legal.com. Let’s make this season joyful and secure. Stay alert, stay informed, and help others do the same!
Stephen A. Bonfa, Esq.
Partner, Chair of the Estate and Tax Division
Prepared for informational purposes only – not legal or tax advice.