What can be considered as the most wonderful time of the year for some, can also be one of the most dangerous when it comes to holiday scams.

“This is a season, unfortunately, where there are a lot of scammers taking advantage of people, particularly those of us who are older Americans,” Rep. Joseph Morelle said. “And it's an increasing trend and they exploit people, particularly at this time of year.”

Consumers are opening their wallets to not only retailers, but also charities and holiday trips. And scammers are taking notice. Older Americans are the ones being targeted the most.

“Eighty percent of all scams happen to people over the age of 65,” CEO of Lifespan Ann Marie Cook said. “There's been a 70% increase in scams since 2021. Think about that. Mostly hitting older adults at the cost of $5.8 billion a year in this country.”

Hoping to spread awareness surrounding the issue, Morelle and the Federal Trade Commision are taking action to protect older Americans, providing tips and resources when it comes to fraudulent activities and online schemes.

“We want to make sure everybody gets to enjoy their holiday, that you have joy in your holiday, not that you're worried about or fretting about some charge or some phone call or some email that doesn't look proper to you,” Morelle said. “Make sure you contact your bank, your credit card company, make sure you look at them every month and make sure that you're checking in anything that you think is untoward.”

In hopes others can stay informed and be vigilant to ensure your protection, Cook shares an experience hitting close to home.

“My mother got a call one day and said that my son was in jail,” Cook said. “I go, ‘mom, he's not in jail. And if he is in jail, maybe he deserved it and he can sit there, do not send any money to bail him out.’ I had to call my son on the cell phone, put it up to the other phone. I said, ‘Tell your grandmother you're not in jail.’ This is how tricky they are, he had posted that he was on vacation and was posting pictures.”

Seeing the creative lengths scammers will go to, it's something people all over the world are learning about. With some learning the hard way. To avoid falling victim, Lifespan hopes its team and resources can assure what to look out for this holiday season.

“They're getting better and better at it, which is really the problem is they get closer and closer to looking legitimate,” Morelle said. “Being able to talk about this will keep people aware and keep people safe.”