Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, but chiefly because it's an opportune time for crime. It's enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.
Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time. Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.