The holidays are a time of giving and joy, but they can also be a time when scammers try to take advantage of others, the Michigan State Police warns. Scammers can target all age groups, but older adults are often at higher risk. With that in mind, the MSP Eighth District, which covers the Upper Peninsula, is sharing tips to help residents avoid holiday scams.

“Scammers often want to create a sense of urgency and panic to get you to make a quick decision to send them money,” MSP states in a news release. “If you get a message or call like this, pause, think skeptically, and trust your instincts if something feels off. If you are still unsure if it may be a scam, contact someone you trust, your local bank, or local law enforcement before sending any money.”

Scammers sometimes pretend to be shipping companies during the holidays, sending fake emails or texts in attempts to get you to provide personal or financial information. Always double-check delivery notifications before clicking links or sharing information. Major shipping companies like UPS or FedEx will not ask for personal or financial information through unsolicited emails, calls, texts, or mail, according to MSP.

Common signs of a scam —

— Urgent requests for money or personal information;

— Requests for gift cards, money orders, or wire transfers as means of payment;

— Misspelled or suspicious website addresses;

— Poor grammar or strange formatting;

— Claims of unexpected prizes or winnings; and

— Browser warnings about insecure connections.

How to protect yourself —

— Use secure payment methods. Avoid wire transfers, money orders, or sending gift cards.

— Keep account and credit card information private.

— Avoid entering sensitive information on public devices.

— Keep your devices, browsers, and security software current with the latest updates.

— When shopping online, use trusted retailers that have good reviews.

— Whenever possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online.

Finally, if you get a suspicious email or text, do not reply or cooperate with the sender, the MSP advises.

“Protecting your personal information and recognizing common scam methods can help prevent you and your loved ones from being scammed,” said Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District public information officer. “If something seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam.”

MSP community service troopers are available to provide free, in-person presentations or talks to groups or organizations interested in learning more about preventing scams. If interested, contact the local MSP post and ask to talk to a community service trooper.