Seniors lost approximately $3 billion to scams in 2020 according to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. But scammers not only attempt to target seniors, they use various channels, including phone calls, text messages, emails, voicemail and social media sites to scam any unsuspecting person. Watch out for these common tactics:
Impersonations
Phishing Scams
Fraudster posing as legitimate organizations will contact you through email and text message, directing you to a counterfeit website where you are instructed to enter/update your personal information or payment details. Beware, legitimate businesses do not contact you via unsolicited email about updating your personal information.
Telemarketer
Someone contacts you posing as a legitimate business offering services, loans, free trips or help with managing your account. They may also attempt to collect on debts they claim you owe. A red flag to watch for is they’ll ask for information about you and your accounts, as well as payments in the form of wire transfers and prepaid gift cards.
Social Security
The fraudster claims they are calling from the Social Security Administration and asks for identifying information such as your Social Security or bank account number.
Tax Collection
A scammer claims you owe the IRS back taxes or penalties. They demand immediate payment and threaten actions such as home foreclosure or arrest. Then asks you to send a payment via wire transfer or prepaid gift/debit cards.
A Relative
The scammer poses as a relative in an emergency situation (hospital, jail, etc.). They will usually ask you to send money, often through wire transfer or gift cards, as soon as possible. Adn then urge you to keep the incident a secret.
Sensational Scams
A fraudster uses the enticement of wealth, a so-called “common interest” or an online dating relationship to trick you into sending them money.
Sweepstakes and lottery
Someone notifies you that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes, often taking place in another country. The most common tacktice is asking for a payment to cover fees or taxes before you can collect your winnings.
Romance
Romance Scammers use dating apps, email and social media to develop a virtual relationship with you, then pretend to need money for things like medical care or travel expenses to visit you.
They may also try to trick you into laundering their money, asking you to complete transactions such as cashing checks and forwarding packages.
Investment
A fraudster approaches you with a high-potential, risk-free investment opportunity. They make guarantees of financial gain and pressure you to act quickly on a limited-time opportunity. They may ask for a management fee or down payment, they then disappear after receiving the money.
Association fraud
Someone acting as a member of your religious or community organization targets influencers to share the scheme and convince others of its legitimacy and value.
Products and services scams
Someone offers you a product or service in order to mine your personal data or overcharge you, often without delivering what they promised.
Counterfeit prescription drugs
Illegitimate pharmacies advertise expired, toxic or counterfeit medication. They may direct you to a website asking for your credit card information, then take the money you authorized without delievering the product or use your card number for unauthorized purchases. Be especially aware of unbelievable low price at online reseller sites.
Health insurance scam
Fake insurance companies sell “comprehensive” insurance plans, collecting the premium without paying the claims. They may also offer a discount on medical services without actually paying for your health care.
Home repair fraud
A scammer comes to your house offering home improvement services or add-ons such as solar panels or paving your driveay. They will pressure you with limited-time offers, asking you to pay with cash or offering to apply for financing on your behalf.
Tips to protect yourself
- Don’t trust Caller ID. Scammers can spoof phone numbers.
- Avoid giving personal information over the phone.
- Don’t download files or click links in unsolicited texts, emails or social media messages.
- Consult with trusted family and friends before making big financial decisions.
- Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Get a copy of your credit report through annualcreditreport.com and monitor your accounts regularly.
- Thoroughly research people, organizations and their claims. Look up phone numbers and online reviews about organizations, use reverse image search for people you meet online, and read all contracts and agreements before signing.
- Avoid situations where you are asked to forward money or packages.
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
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