In partnership with
Welcome to another issue of Retire & RISE.
Where we protect your peace, share scam-proof strategies, and help retirees stand strong like holiday-season heroes. 🎄🛡️
Know someone who clicks before they think? Forward this email to them!
In today’s issue:
● How scammers use holiday chaos to trick smart people
● The red flags hiding in emails, ads, and pop-ups
● A simple gut-check that stops 90% of scams
I currently send the Retire & RISE Newsletter twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday). Some readers have ask for more frequent issues. Your opinion matters to me.
🎯 Spot the Holiday Scam Before It Spots You
💡 Thought-Shifting Opener
If something online makes you feel rushed, worried, or overly excited… it wasn’t designed for you, it was designed to trap you.
And scammers love the holidays more than a mall Santa loves cookies.
This season, their tricks get bolder, louder, and sneakier especially toward people 50+ who shop online for their grandkids or click on those irresistible “one-day deals.”
But here’s the truth (and the good news):
Once you know the red flags, these scams become as obvious as a plastic tree in July.
Let’s walk through them together.
📖 A Quick Story: The “Shipping Delay” Email That Almost Got Me
Last Christmas, I got an email from “UPS Support” saying:
“Your delivery cannot be completed. Please verify your information now.”
The timing was perfect.
I had packages on the way.
My kids’ gifts.
Stress level: already high because of the holidays.
My heart did that awful thud of panic.
But something felt off:
The greeting said “Dear Customer,” not “Bob” or “Robert.”
The link looked odd when I hovered over it.
They wanted “verification” including my address and credit card details.
That’s when decades of tech-teaching instincts kicked in.
I deleted it.
Two days later, UPS posted a warning about fake delivery scams.
And I thought, “If I almost clicked… anyone could.”
That’s why I’m writing this issue. I want to make sure you don’t get caught in the holiday scam storm.
.
⚙️ Tactical Breakdown: Scam Red Flags Every Retiree Should Know
Use this list. Save it. Share it.
Use this link to get your printable version: Scam Red Flags
These are the exact traps scammers use during the holidays.
✉️ A) Email Scam Red Flags
Scammers send millions of holiday-targeted emails. Watch for:
Generic greetings: “Dear Customer,” “Valued Member,” “Friend.”
Urgency or threats: “Act now,” “Final notice,” “Your account will close.”
Holiday bait: Fake Black Friday orders, missed deliveries, Christmas deals.
Too-good-to-be-true promises: 80–90% off, “guaranteed income systems.”
Requests for personal data: SSN, passwords, one-time codes.
Link mismatch: Hover over links, if the URL doesn’t match, don’t click.
Unexpected attachments: “Shipping labels,” invoices, statements.
Bad grammar or odd formatting: The classic scammer fingerprint.
If an email feels even slightly wrong… it probably is.
🛍️ B) Website & Online Ad Warning Signs
Fake storefronts explode during the holidays. Here’s how to spot them:
Suspicious URLs: “AmazonDeals-24.com,” “Walmart-HolidaySale.net.”
Sloppy design: Weird logos, mismatched branding, poor English.
No physical address: Or a fake one when you check with Google Maps.
Only risky payment methods: Crypto, wire transfers, gift cards, Zelle.
Ridiculous discounts: “90% off TODAY ONLY.”
AI-generated fake testimonials: Too polished, too generic.
Celebrity endorsements that feel… off: Because they are.
When in doubt:
If it doesn’t accept a credit card, it’s not a real store.
⚠️ C) Pop-up & Fake System Alert Red Flags
These are designed to scare you into acting fast.
Flashing warnings, sirens, countdowns.
Fake “Microsoft/Apple Security” alerts telling you to call a number.
Messages urging you to install remote-access software. BIG red flag.
Screen lock pop-ups claiming your computer is infected.
Threats of hacking or data loss to pressure immediate action.
Real companies do not communicate through browser pop-ups.
Ever.
🎁 D) Holiday Scams to Watch Closely
These surge between Thanksgiving and New Year’s:
Fake delivery notifications (“Your package is delayed, click to reschedule”)
Charity scams using emotional pressure and stolen logos
Gift card scams (“Buy discounted cards!” or “Pay using gift cards”)
Grandparent/emergency scams using AI voice cloning to mimic loved ones
If someone asks you to pay fast, pay emotionally, or pay differently, pause.
Your future self will thank you.
🧭 Your Easy “Gut Check” Framework
When something online feels wrong, use this:
Rushed - Secret - Strange - Surprise Money
If any one of these appears, stop immediately.
Does it make you feel rushed?
Are you asked to keep it secret?
Does something feel strange or “off”?
Are you promised surprise money or massive savings?
If yes → Walk away before you pay.
Is Your PPC Strategy Leaving Money on the Table?
When’s the last time you updated your digital marketing strategy?
If you’re relying on old-school PPC tactics you might be missing out on a major revenue opportunity.
Levanta’s Affiliate Ad Shift Calculator shows how shifting budget from PPC to creator-led partnerships can significantly improve conversion rates, ROI, and efficiency.
Discover how optimizing your affiliate strategy can unlock new profit potential:
Commission structure: Find the ideal balance between cost and performance
Traffic mix: See how creator-driven traffic impacts conversions
Creator engagement: Measure how authentic partnerships scale ROI
Built for brands ready to modernize how they grow.
🧠 Intelligent Elevation: Why This Matters
Scams aren’t about intelligence.
They’re about emotion.
Scammers don’t target the “naive.”
They target the human.
Especially during holidays when you’re shopping, distracted, generous, and trying to take care of the people you love.
This issue isn’t about fear.
It’s about power. The power to slow down, trust your good judgment, and protect your money and your dignity.
I’ve taught retirees tech for 30+ years.
Believe me:
You’re a lot harder to fool when you give yourself an extra 10 seconds to breathe.
💬 Closing Insight
This season, no matter how festive the internet looks, remember this line:
If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.
Slowing down is your superpower.
🔁 Proverb to Close With
“A moment of caution beats a season of regret.”
See you at the bank. 💰
Bob
Did you get your printable version of Scam Red Flags?
Missed a previous issue? You can catch up any time at https://retireandrise.beehiiv.com.
Each newsletter is archived there for easy reading and sharing.
I also have reviews to profitable products there as well.
Check it out.
🏦 See You at the Bank Picks
💬 Real tools. Real results. No hype.
These are the exact programs and tools I personally use that keep producing real commissions - month after month.
I’m not chasing the latest “shiny object” anymore, just sticking with what works for everyday people who want honest online income.
💵 My Go-To Income Builders
1️⃣ OLSP System - My $7 starter turned into over $3,500 (and counting).
2️⃣ AI Cash Machines - A simple AI setup for daily commissions.
3️⃣ GotBackup - A legit data-protection service that pays monthly.
4️⃣ LeadsLeap - A must have for every internet marketer.
If you decide to try one of these, let me know if I can help and how it goes.
Your story might become the next See You at the Bank success I share here.
🔁 Hashtags
#HolidayScamAlert #SeniorSafetyOnline #AIScamAwareness #RetireAndRise #OnlineSafetyTips #ScamFreeSeason #CyberSecurityForSeniors #ProtectYourWallet #FraudPrevention #OlderAdultsOnline