Scams increase in January: why fraud increases at the beginning of the year

Every January, I hear people say the same thing: “I just got an email that looked official and I almost fell in love.” That’s not a coincidence. January is one of the busiest months of the year for scammers. While most of us are focused on taxes, benefits, subscriptions and getting our finances in order, criminals are doing their own kind of housekeeping, updating scam lists and going after people with recently updated personal data. If you’ve ever received a message stating that your account needs to be “verified,” your benefits are at risk, or your tax information is incomplete, this article is for you.

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Why January is the best time for scammers

January is when scammers have everything they need. According to YouMail’s Robocall Index, US consumers received just over 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025, an increase of about 9% from December 2024. This year, we can expect the same pattern from scammers.

They know:

• People are dealing with taxes and government bills.
• Reinstated or renewed benefits and subscriptions
• Financial stress is greater after the holidays

But the main reason why scams are increasing now? Your personal data is easier to find than you think. Data brokers silently collect and update profiles year after year. In January, those profiles are often more complete than ever, and scammers know it.

The “account verification” scam you’ll see everywhere

One of the most common January scams seems harmless at first. You receive a message that says:

• “Your Social Security account needs verification”
• “Your Medicare information must be up to date”
• “Your benefits could be delayed if action is not taken”

The message sounds official. Sometimes it even uses your real name or location. That’s where people get fooled. Government agencies do not request sensitive information through random emails or text messages. Scammers rely on urgency and familiarity to force you to react before you think.

My rule: If you did not initiate the request, do not respond to it. Always go directly to the agency’s official website or phone number, never through a link they send you.

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False tax and benefit notices increase in January

Another favorite scam this time of year involves taxes and refunds.

You can see:

• Emails Claiming You Owe Back Taxes
• Messages saying you are due a refund
• Notices asking you to “confirm” banking information.

These scams work because they arrive exactly at the time people expect to hear from tax agencies or benefit programs.

Scammers don’t need much to appear convincing. A name, email address, or old address is usually sufficient. If you suddenly receive a tax-related message, slow down. Real agencies don’t pressure you to act immediately.

Subscription “problems” that are not real

January is also when subscription scams explode. The fake messages claim:

• Your streaming service will be canceled.
• Your payment was not made
• His the account is suspended.

Scammers know that most people have subscriptions, so they play the odds. Instead of clicking, open the app or website directly. If there is a real problem, you will see it there.

Why these scams seem so personal

People often tell me, “But they used my name, how did they know?” Here’s the inconvenient truth: They probably bought it. Data brokers compile massive profiles including:

• Address histories
• Phone numbers and emails
• family connections
• Purchasing behavior.

That data is sold, shared and leaked. Once scammers have it, they can tailor messages that look real, because they are based on real information.

10 WAYS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM EMAIL SCAMS

What you should do right now

Before January gets busier, take these steps to reduce your exposure to scams and fraud:

1) Delete your personal data from broker sites

Deleting emails or blocking numbers helps, but it doesn’t stop scams at their source. Scammers rely on data broker sites that silently collect, update and sell your personal information. Removing your data from those sites reduces scam calls, phishing emails, and targeted text messages over time. It also makes it difficult for criminals to personalize messages using your real name, address or family connections. You have two ways to do this:

Do it yourself:

You may visit individual data broker websites, search their profile, and submit opt-out requests. This method works, but it takes time. Each site has its own rules, identity verification steps, and response schedules. Many brokers also re-add data later, which means you have to repeat the process regularly.

Use a data removal service:

A data removal service automates the opt-out process by contacting hundreds of data brokers on your behalf and monitoring new listings. This option saves time and provides ongoing protection, especially if you want long-term results without constant follow-ups.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data deletion service is truly a smart choice. They are not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to delete your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing leak data with information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data deletion services, and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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2) Don’t click on links in unexpected messages

If you didn’t start the request, don’t click. Scam messages are designed to create urgency, especially around taxes, benefits, and account issues. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself or using a saved bookmark. This one habit prevents most phishing attacks.

3) Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical second layer of protection. Even if someone gets your password, they still won’t be able to access your account without the second verification code. Start with email, financial accounts, social media, and government services.

4) Verify accounts only through official apps or websites

If you receive a warning about an account problem, do not trust the message itself. Open the app or official website and check there. If something is wrong, you will see it immediately. If not, you simply avoided a scam.

5) Keep an eye out for account alerts and login activity.

Enable login alerts and security notifications on important accounts. These alerts can warn you if someone tries to log in from a new device or location. Early warnings give you time to act before real damage is done.

6) Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager

Password reuse makes it easier for scammers to take over multiple accounts at once. If a service is compromised, attackers try to log in to email, banking, and social media accounts in the same way. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords for each account without having to remember them. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

January scams are not random. They are directed, programmed and powered by personal data that should not be public in the first place. The longer your information remains online, the easier it will be for scammers to use it against you. If you want a quieter inbox, fewer scam calls, and less risk this year, take action early, before criminals finish rebuilding their lists. Protect your data now and you’ll be safer all year round.

Have you noticed more scam emails, texts, or calls since the new year began? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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