Scammer Calendar: A Year-Round Guide to Scams and Their Peak Times

Know When Scammers Strike: Your Year-Round Protection Guide

Scammers operate on a calendar—targeting victims when they're most vulnerable. Tax season brings IRS impersonators. The holidays flood inboxes with fake shopping deals. Natural disasters trigger charity scams.

This calendar shows you exactly when to be extra vigilant. Bookmark this page and check it monthly to stay ahead of seasonal scams.

🎯 How to Use This Calendar

Check monthly to see what scams are currently active
Share with family especially vulnerable groups (elderly, young adults)
Set reminders before peak scam seasons
Report scams you encounter to help others

Current Month Threats: [Automatically highlighted based on current date]

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WINTER (January - March)

Month	Scam Type	Description & Peak Time	Protection Tips
January - February	Tax Identity Theft	What happens: Scammers file fraudulent tax returns using stolen SSNs to claim refunds before victims file their legitimate returns. Peak: January through April (tax season) Target: Anyone with a Social Security number, especially those who file early	✓ File your taxes as early as possible ✓ Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN ✓ Monitor your credit reports ✓ Never share SSN unless legally required ✓ If your e-filing is rejected, contact IRS immediately
January - February	IRS Impersonation Scams	What happens: Scammers pose as IRS agents via phone, email, or text, threatening arrest, legal action, or deportation if immediate payment isn't made. Peak: January through April Red flags: Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency; threats of immediate arrest; aggressive/urgent tone	✓ IRS NEVER initiates contact via phone, email, text, or social media ✓ IRS never demands immediate payment via specific methods ✓ IRS won't threaten arrest or deportation ✓ Verify any IRS notice by calling 1-800-829-1040 ✓ Report to Treasury Inspector General: 1-800-366-4484
January - February	Fake Tax Preparation Services	What happens: Fraudulent tax preparers charge inflated fees, claim bogus deductions, promise unrealistic refunds, or steal refunds entirely. Peak: January through April Warning signs: Refuses to sign returns; bases fees on refund percentage; guarantees large refunds	✓ Use only IRS-authorized preparers (check IRS directory) ✓ Verify preparer has PTIN (Preparer Tax ID) ✓ Never sign blank tax forms ✓ Ensure refund goes to YOUR account ✓ Review return before e-filing
January - February	New Year's Resolution Scams	What happens: Fake offers for weight loss products, gym memberships, debt consolidation, and self-improvement programs promising unrealistic results. Peak: January through February Common types: Weight loss pills, fake fitness programs, debt relief scams, investment schemes	✓ Research companies thoroughly before purchasing ✓ Check reviews on multiple platforms ✓ Be wary of "miracle" claims or "guaranteed" results ✓ Read all terms and cancellation policies ✓ Avoid programs requiring large upfront payments
January - March	Winter Storm / Weather Emergency Scams	What happens: Scammers offer urgent home repair, snow removal, heating repair, or roof work after storms, demanding upfront payment and disappearing. Peak: January through March (during/after winter storms) Red flags: Door-to-door solicitation after storms; cash-only payment; high-pressure tactics	✓ Never hire contractors who show up unsolicited ✓ Verify licenses and insurance ✓ Get multiple written estimates ✓ Check references and online reviews ✓ Never pay full amount upfront (10-30% deposit max) ✓ Get written contracts with detailed scope
January - March	Utility Disconnection Scams	What happens: Scammers impersonate utility companies claiming overdue bills and threatening immediate disconnection unless paid via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Peak: January through March (winter cold increases urgency) Targets: Homeowners, renters, small businesses	✓ Utility companies never demand immediate payment via gift cards ✓ They don't threaten same-day disconnection ✓ Hang up and call your utility using the number on your bill ✓ Check your account balance online independently ✓ Legitimate companies send written notices before disconnection
February	Valentine's Day Romance Scams	What happens: Scammers create fake dating profiles, build emotional connections, then request money for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or business opportunities. Peak: February (Valentine's Day) Warning signs: Professes love quickly; never meets in person; always has emergency needing money	✓ Never send money to someone you've never met ✓ Do reverse image searches on profile photos ✓ Be skeptical of sob stories and emergencies ✓ Insist on video calls before any financial help ✓ Tell trusted friends about online relationships ✓ Report to dating platform and IC3.gov