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by The Seniors Center

Seniors Are Safer with These Three Scam Artists Behind Bars

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The tactics used to scam seniors are becoming more and more creative. But, luckily, law enforcement is catching up to these criminals. Recently, three scam artists who posed as family members in need of money were caught and will be sentenced in October. These scammers made phone calls to their victims, preying on their fears by saying they were in danger or in jail. Then, they would ask the seniors to gather cash before sending a courier to collect it.

According to the Department of Justice, these scam artists were able to steal more than $350,000 from fourteen Rhode Island seniors. But now that they’ve been caught, these seniors can sleep a little easier knowing that these criminals are behind bars.

If you’re ever in doubt about a phone call from a family member, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be safe. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to come over so you’re not alone while you verify the story. And, of course, never give out personal information or money to someone you don’t know.

For more tips on how to stay safe from scams, be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook. We’ll keep you updated with the latest information so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

by The Seniors Center

Do You Know How to Spot the Signs of Scams Against Seniors?

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It’s important for seniors to be aware of the many scams that exist. Unfortunately, scammers often target seniors because they may be seen as more vulnerable. These scams against seniors can take many forms, from email and phone scams to identity theft.

Common Scams Against Seniors

The Department of Justice has put together a guide to some of the most common scams that target seniors. These include:

Family Imposter scams: In this type of scam, a con artist pretends to be a family member or friend in need of money. They may even go so far as to create a fake email account or social media profile in the name of the person they’re pretending to be.

Romance scams: With this scam, the con artist creates a fake online dating profile and gains the trust of their victim. They may even send flowers or other gifts. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they will ask for money.

Tech Support scams: In this scam, the scammer will call or email their victim pretending to be from a tech company like Microsoft. They will then claim that the victim’s computer has a virus and offer to fix it for a fee.

Knowing how to spot these scams is the first step in protecting yourself. If you are contacted by someone who you think may be a scammer, do not give them any personal information. Hang up the phone or delete the email. You can also contact your local law enforcement to report the scam.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help retirees stay safe. Keep up with our latest posts on elder abuse and fraud, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.

by The Seniors Center

Watch Out for This Social Security Scam

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Scam calls come in many forms. Scammers might pretend to be a loved one or acquaintance, might use the ruse of an emergency, or might act as a government employee to gain the trust of their marks. One scam that is on the rise in recent months is actually a spin on an older con: acting as a Social Security employee.

How to Spot This Social Security Scam

How does this scam work? The con artists tell their potential victims that someone is trying to open bank accounts in their name. In order to stop this from happening, they’ll say, the victim needs to download an app on their phones. This app will allow the supposed Social Security or IRS employee to remotely access their phone.

By remotely accessing the phone, the scammer can access passwords and accounts. They might ask their victim to transfer money into a different account. According to NBC 2 News, one Florida woman had the scammer ask her to transfer money into Bitcoin—luckily, a fraud alert came up before she was able to complete the transaction.

Stay safe from scams by screening calls. Know that government employees will not contact you over the phone and ask for information or money. And, of course, follow The Seniors Center Blog on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update.

by The Seniors Center

The Biggest Red Flags in Scam Calls

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We’ve all gotten calls from strangers claiming to be from the IRS or a “free” vacation. But how can you tell if a call is really a scam?

Sample Scam Calls

AARP has recently released a report detailing seven calls that they logged on their Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Reading through these examples can help you learn more about the ways that scammers try to trick people.

Here’s a few of their examples:

  • Medicare number requests: Be very careful about giving away your Medicare number. Scammers will often call pretending to be from Medicare and say that you need to verify your number for tests or benefits.
  • IRS imposters: These scammers will call and say that you owe money to the IRS and need to pay immediately or face consequences. They may even threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay.
  • Energy companies: Scammers will sometimes call pretending to be from an energy company like Con Edison or PSE&G. They’ll say that you need to pay your bill immediately or your service will be shut off.

As you read through these examples, see if you can spot the red flags. Was the caller asking for personal information? Were they threatening you with arrest or disconnection?

If you get a call like this, don’t panic. Hang up right away and report it to the FTC or your local police department. And remember, you can always say no to unsolicited calls.

The Seniors Center is here to help you stay informed and protect yourself from scams. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

What are some other red flags that you’ve spotted in scam calls? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

by The Seniors Center

How Social Media Scammers Target Their Victims

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Phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits used to be the only way scammers could try to trick people out of their money. But with the rise of social media, scammers now have a whole new way to target their victims.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide scammers with a gold mine of information about potential targets. They can learn your interests, your family and friends, and even your daily routines. This information can be used to create believable scams that are much harder to spot than the more traditional methods.

The Most Common Social Media Scams

The FTC reports that more than one in four of those who reported a scam said they were contacted through social media. And the scams are only getting more sophisticated.

A few of the most common types of social media scams include:

  • Crypto scams — Have you heard the buzz around investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies? Scammers are using social media to promote fake investments, often promising high returns with little or no risk. Just remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Romance scams — This is one of the most common types of social media scams, and it can be devastating. Using a fake profile, scammers will start a relationship and then ask for money, often for a bogus emergency.
  • Online shopping fraud — Ever ordered something online and it never arrived? Scammers are using social media to promote fake online stores and websites. You might purchase an item, but you’ll never receive it.

The best way to protect yourself from social media scams is to be aware of them. The Seniors Center Blog can help you stay up-to-date on the latest scams. If you’re contacted by someone you don’t know, be cautious about giving out any personal information. Always get a second opinion before making any financial decisions, and consider talking to a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.

Looking for more information on how to stay safe from scams? Follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook today for a safe social media community!

by The Seniors Center

Apartment Rental Scams Can Hurt Seniors—Here’s What to Look For

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When looking for a new apartment, it’s important to be aware of rental scams. Unfortunately, many scammers target seniors specifically because they may be more trusting or less familiar with the internet and modern technology.

How Apartment Rental Scams Work

According to AARP, apartment rental scams typically follow a similar pattern:

The scammer finds a rental listing online, usually on a reputable website like Craigslist or Zillow. They then create a fake listing with similar or identical information, often using stolen photos.

Next, the scammer contacts potential victims, usually by email or text message. They may pose as the owner, manager, or leasing agent for the apartment and often claim to be out of town or unable to meet in person.

The scammer will try to get the victim to wire money for the deposit or first month’s rent, often using a fake identity or a fake website. They may also ask for personal information like a Social Security number or bank account number.

Once they have the victim’s money, the scammer disappears and is very difficult to track down.

What to Look For

There are a few red flags that can help you spot a rental scam:

  • The listing price is significantly lower than similar listings in the same area.
  • The person you’re dealing with is reluctant to meet in person or show you the apartment.
  • You’re asked to wire money or pay with a gift card.
  • You’re asked for personal information like your Social Security number before you’ve even signed a lease.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to help you avoid rental scams and other forms of fraud targeting seniors. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook.

by The Seniors Center

Text Message Scams Flooding Your Inbox? Here’s What’s Behind Them

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Spam calls and emails are nothing new. But if you’ve noticed an uptick of strange text messages, watch out—you may be the target of a “smishing” scam. These text message scams are on the rise, and they can be difficult to spot. Here’s what you need to know about smishing and how you can protect yourself.

What is Smishing?

AARP reports that smishing is a type of phishing scam that uses text messages instead of email. The goal is the same—to trick you into giving up personal information or clicking on a malicious link. But because text messages are often seen as more trustworthy than email, smishing scams can be harder to spot.

Smishing scams can take many forms. The text might seem to be a simple wrong number message meant for the sender’s friend—and when you respond, the scammer will try to engage you in conversation. Or, the text might claim to be from a credible source like a bank or government agency. Texts about package deliveries, account updates, or even COVID-19 vaccinations are all common smishing scams.

In any case, the goal is to get you to respond to the text or click on a link. Once you do, the scammer can then collect your personal information or install malware on your device.

Stay Safe from Text Message Scams

The best way to stay safe from text message scams? Ignore and delete suspicious messages, and never click on a link unless it’s from a sender you know and trust.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to help retirees stay safe and informed. For more information on smishing and other scams, be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook!

by The Seniors Center

Videos to Help Seniors Learn About Scams

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Staying aware of the latest scams is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Scam artists often target older adults because they may be more trusting or less likely to report a crime.

However, the American Bankers Association has put together a series of short videos that can help seniors learn about the most common types of scams. Called the “Safe Banking for Seniors Scams Awareness Series,” these seven videos detail some of the most common types of fraud, including family imposter schemes, sweetheart scams, and lottery scams.

You can view the first one below:

Each video is under two minutes long and features tips on how to avoid being scammed, as well as what to do if you think you’ve already been victimized. This knowledge can be invaluable in helping seniors protect themselves and their finances.

You can watch the entire series on the American Bankers Association’s website or on YouTube.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to help retirees stay safe and informed. Check back often for more tips and resources and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update!

by The Seniors Center

Hear a Nashville Senior’s Story About Scam Artists

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When you reach out to a financial advisor, you expect to be taken care of. But one Nashville senior was scammed out of thousands by someone she thought she could trust.

How This Senior Scam Worked

This woman’s senior scam story begins with a man handing out AARP information. According to WKRN.com, this man told a Nashville woman, Paula Gilmore, that he could help her with her finances and manage her money.

She believed him—he seemed credible. However, over the next 10 years, she handed him close to $230,000. But instead of investing it, he was pocketing it for himself.

According to Gilmore’s daughter, the man would open up her mail and even write checks from her own account to pass off as dividends. In reality, he was just cashing them and taking the money for himself.

Eventually, the FBI caught up to the scam artist. However, the damage was done.

Staying Safe from Fraud and Scams

Consult others before making any decisions about your finances, especially if someone you don’t know approaches you.

At The Seniors Center, we understand how important your financial security is. We’re working to help seniors stay aware of the latest scams so they can protect themselves. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss a post!

by The Seniors Center

Romance Scammers Targeting Seniors Through Social Media

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For seniors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has been a lifeline. Many older Americans enjoy connecting with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. However, there can be hidden dangers lurking on social media. For some seniors, these dangers come in the form of vicious romance scams.

What Are Romance Scams?

Romance scams, also known as dating scams, totaled more than $300 million last year, according to USA Today. Much of these losses were for retirees who have been targeted on social media. The way these scams operate is that a scammer sends their target a friend request and attempts to strike up a friendship or romantic relationship. Then, they’ll move the conversation off of social media and begin texting or calling. Eventually, they will ask for money, possibly for an emergency. They’re likely to ask for a wire transfer or gift cards.

It can be difficult to sort out scammers from individuals who are truly looking for friendship. Senior citizens can stay safe by keeping conversations on social media and not giving out personal information. Research friend requests before accepting them by looking at their profiles. And if you feel suspicious, talk through your concerns with friends and family.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center Blog wants seniors to stay safe. Learn more about recent scams targeting seniors and how to avoid falling into a trap. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates—we’re one account you can trust!

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