Spooky Season Scams: How Older Adults Can Spot Hoaxes & Charity Frauds

Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only things popping up in October—scammers are out trick-or-treating for your wallet. From “limited-time” costume deals that never ship to fake charity buckets and phishing emails dressed in pumpkin emojis, the fall season invites a parade of frauds. This guide explains the most common Halloween-season scams in plain language, with clear examples and easy steps you can take today to stay safe.

Why scams spike around Halloween

Holidays create urgency (last-minute parties), emotion (giving to charity), and distraction (busy schedules). Criminals use those ingredients to rush people into quick clicks, quick payments, and quick regrets. The good news: a few simple habits can stop 90% of these tricks before they start.

Seasonal phishing: emails and texts in costume

What it looks like: A “delivery problem” text, an email about winning a pumpkin-patch gift card, or a “security alert” from your bank after you bought party supplies.

• Red flags: misspelled sender addresses, links that don’t match the company’s website, attachments you didn’t ask for, countdown timers (“respond in 30 minutes!”).
• Real-world example (safe): A text says, “UPS: package delayed—update address here.” You aren’t expecting a package—or you are, which is why the message feels believable.
• What to do: Don’t tap links. Go directly to the shipper’s official site or app and check there. Delete anything demanding gift cards or remote access.

For a deeper look at delivery-style cons, see our guide on package-tracking scams.

Fake charity drives and “feel-good” fundraisers

What it looks like: Street tables with orange donation buckets, social posts for “local families burned out by a house fire,” or phone calls asking you to “renew last year’s Halloween pledge.”

• Red flags: high-pressure tactics (“donate now!”), no physical address or EIN (Employer Identification Number), vague mission, or names that sound like a famous charity but are slightly different.
• What to do before giving:
  • Look up the charity on an independent site (see the resources list below).
  • Use a credit card, not cash, wire, crypto, or gift cards.
  • Ask for a receipt—real charities provide them.

Costume-shop and party-supply billing scams

What it looks like: A slick website with “today only” discounts on costumes, décor, or candy. Orders never arrive, wrong items appear, or your card is enrolled in a monthly “membership.”

• Red flags: no phone number, only social-media messaging for support, brand-new websites (recently registered), reviews that are all 5-stars and copy-pasted, and checkout pages that add “shipping insurance,” “rush handling,” or a hidden subscription.
• Smart buying tips:
  • Check return policy and company address before paying.
  • Prefer well-known retailers or local stores you can call.
  • Use a credit card (strongest dispute rights) and turn on purchase alerts.
  • Avoid pre-orders from unknown sites—holiday windows are short, and disputes can outlast the season.

Other scams that resurface every fall

• “Tech support” pop-ups that freeze your browser and list a phone number. (Close the browser; never call or grant remote access. Learn more in Is This Tech Support Call a Scam?)
• “Grandchild in trouble” calls timed around school breaks or trips. (Hang up and call a known number—read our Grandparent Scam guide.)
• Event ticket scams for haunted houses or concerts—counterfeit QR codes or listings on shady marketplaces.

Halloween Scam Quick-Glance Table

Simple habits that stop most scams

• Pause first. Scammers rely on panic. Take one slow breath.
• Verify on your own. Don’t use phone numbers or links you were sent—look up the company or charity yourself.
• Protect your devices. Turn on updates, use a reputable antivirus, and enable multi-factor authentication for email and banking.
• Use credit cards and alerts. They offer the best dispute protections and instant notifications.
• Share a family password. Agree on a phrase only family knows to confirm real emergencies.

If you think you were scammed

1. Stop payment fast: Call your bank or card issuer and ask for a chargeback or card freeze.
2. Gift card? Contact the card brand’s fraud department immediately and keep receipts.
3. Tech-support access given? Disconnect from the internet, run a security scan, change important passwords (email first), and consider a professional check-up.
4. Report it: Filing reports helps others—see the resources below.

Helpful articles on SeniorCenters.com

• Is This Tech Support Call a Scam? Read This Article First!
• Beware the Conveniently Timed Package Tracking Scam
• Protecting Seniors: A Guide to the Grandparent Scam

Trusted resources & where to report

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov — report scams and get recovery steps.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network — alerts and support for older adults.
• Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance — check a charity before you donate.
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search — verify a charity’s EIN and status.

One-minute “no-trick” checklist

• Was I asked to act fast or keep it secret?
• Was I asked to pay by gift card, wire, crypto, or cash?
• Did the message come out of the blue?
• Can I verify this using a phone number or website I looked up myself?