Scams to Avoid in March
1. Tax Scams (Since Tax Season is in Full Swing)
· Fake IRS Calls & Emails – Scammers impersonate the IRS, claiming you owe money or need to verify personal information. The IRS will never call, email, or text for payment.
· Tax Preparer Fraud – Some fraudulent tax preparers overcharge or steal personal information. Always use a trusted, licensed tax professional.
2. Medicare & Health Scams (Related to National Nutrition & Health Awareness Months)
· Fake Medicare Representatives – Scammers claim they need to verify or update Medicare information. Medicare will not call you unexpectedly.
· Fake Health Products & Supplements – Because March has multiple health awareness campaigns (kidney health, MS, colorectal cancer, etc.), scammers push fake cures, vitamins, or diet programs. Only buy from trusted sources.
3. Charity Scams (Tied to Women’s History & Social Causes)
· Fraudulent Women’s Rights or Disaster Relief Charities – Scammers create fake charities, especially during Women’s History Month or international crises. Always verify charities through sites like 
Charity Navigator.
· World Water Day & Environmental Scams – Fake organizations claim to be raising money for water conservation or climate action. Always research before donating.
4. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
· “You’ve Won a Prize!” Calls or Emails – Scammers say you’ve won money but need to pay taxes or fees upfront. Legitimate contests never require payment to claim a prize.
5. Tech Support & AI Voice Scams
· “Your Computer Has a Virus” Pop-Ups – Scammers pretend to be tech support from Microsoft or Apple and request remote access. Never allow remote access unless you initiated the contact.
· AI Voice Cloning Scams – Scammers use AI to mimic a family member’s voice, claiming they need money for an emergency. Always verify with a second phone call or message before sending money.
6. March Madness & Travel Scams
· Fake Ticket Sales – Scammers sell counterfeit tickets for March Madness basketball games. Buy only from official websites.
· Spring Break Travel Scams – Fraudulent vacation deals, rental property scams, or fake travel agencies offering “too good to be true” discounts.
How to Stay Safe
· Never give personal info over the phone or email unless you verify the source.
· Check official websites for tax, Medicare, or charity-related information.
· Avoid high-pressure tactics—scammers often create urgency.
· Use caller ID and block unknown numbers.
· Discuss scams with family members and stay informed.
Walter took his wife Ethel to the state fair every year, and every time he would say to her, “Ethel, you know that I’d love to go for a ride in that helicopter.” But Ethel would always reply, “I know that Walter, but that helicopter ride is 50 dollars and 50 dollars is 50 dollars.” Finally, they went to the fair, and Walter said to Ethel, “Ethel, you know I’m 87 years old now. If I don’t ride that helicopter this year, I may never get another chance.” Once again Ethel replied, “Walter, you know that helicopter is 50 dollars, and 50 dollars is 50 dollars.” This time the helicopter pilot overheard the couple’s conversation and said, “Listen folks, I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll take both of you for a ride; if you can both stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word, I won’t charge you! But if you say just one word, it’s 50 dollars.” Walter and Ethel agreed, up they went in the helicopter. The pilot performed all kinds of fancy moves and tricks, but not a word was said by either Walter or Ethel. The pilot did his death-defying tricks repeatedly, but still there wasn’t so much as one word said. When they finally landed, the pilot turned to Walter and said, “Wow! I’ve got to hand it to you. I did everything I could to get you to scream or shout out, but you didn’t. I’m really impressed!” Walter replied, “Well to be honest I almost said something when Ethel fell out but, you know, 50 dollars is 50 dollars!”