The mad holiday rush may be over, but scammers aren’t slowing down. Protect yourself from these five common scams that happen this time of year.

‘Tis the season to be jolly! And unfortunately, ‘tis also the season for scammers to go after your hard-earned dollars. Keep your money safe by reading up on the most common scams taking place this time of year and practicing caution.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning of a surge in Social Security scams heartlessly targeting the elderly who depend on Social Security benefits for basic living needs. The scammers also know that the elderly can be overly trusting, making them easy victims. And, unfortunately, these scams are too often successful. Here’s how these scams work:

How do you pay for your purchases? It may be instinct to pull out any piece of plastic without thinking, but your random card of choice might not be the safest way to pay. Here’s where you may not want to use your debit card: