The Saratoga Springs Police Department is warning the public of an uptick in fraud reports during this holiday season.

They posted a social media message on Tuesday with some tips.

First, legitimate businesses will never demand crypto, gift cards or cash via transfer apps to settle a debt, police said. They also will never threaten arrest or deportation if they are not paid. Neither will the government. Also, they will not ask people to download harmful materials to their devices.

Scammers use urgency and panic to make victims believe they or a family member is in physical danger of financial trouble if they don’t act immediately.

People are asked to check that their emails are coming from trusted sources.

Americans reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. $1.2 billion was from social media scams.