Donna J. Jodhan is a world renowned advocate, author, blogger, sight loss coach, dinner mystery writer and producer, entrepreneur, law graduate, and podcast commentator.
Donna has been in the business since 2000 and her many roles have allowed her to recognize that there is a growing need for consumers and clients to be made aware of some of the most dangerous and popular scams.
Donna herself has been unwittingly scammed over the years a few times and now she is using her skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise to help others avoid pitfalls and heartache.
And as a vision impaired professional and person she is ready to help you stay ahead!
Donna knows only too well how much we all need to work overtime to protect the most vulnerable from those unscrupulous scammers!
Please read her latest suite of scams and she would love to hear from you with your own feedback.
Here are three of the most common scams people should watch out for in May, based on typical seasonal patterns that repeat every year:
1. Tax Refund & IRS Scams (Post–Tax Season)
Even though U.S. taxes are usually due in April, scammers keep going in May.
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Fake emails/texts claiming there’s a problem with your tax return or that you’re owed an extra refund
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Messages pretending to be from the IRS asking for personal info or payment
Red flag: The IRS does not contact people by text, social media, or unsolicited email.
2. Graduation & Scholarship Scams
May is peak graduation season, so scammers target students and families.
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Fake scholarship offers that require a “processing fee”
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Messages claiming you’ve “won” a grant you never applied for
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Fake job offers aimed at new graduates
Red flag: Legit scholarships and jobs do not ask for upfront fees or sensitive info right away.
3. Travel & Vacation Booking Scams
As summer approaches, fake travel deals become very common.
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Too-good-to-be-true vacation packages
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Fake rental listings or cloned hotel websites
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Social media ads offering extreme discounts
Red flag: Pressure to “book now,” pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer.
Quick safety tips
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Don’t click links from unexpected messages
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Verify offers on official websites
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Never share passwords, one-time codes, or SSNs
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Talk to a trusted adult before paying or signing up for anything online
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711