Featured by The Seniors Center

Illegal Call Center Scams: What You Need to Know

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Billions of dollars have been lost to scams just over the past two years, and seniors are often a target for scam artists. One scam that is particularly common that you should be aware of is illegal call centers.

Illegal call centers are fraudulent telemarketing organizations that target seniors with promises of discounted products and services, such as medical alert systems or vacation packages.

Yahoo! reports that call centers and phishing groups in India often use illegal tactics to scam people out of their money, such as lying about the company’s location or name, guaranteeing products and services that don’t exist, and having representatives threaten or pressure callers into making purchases.

Seniors should be aware of warning signs that they may be dealing with an illegal call center. These signs include aggressive sales tactics, misrepresentation of products and services, and requests for payment over the phone or by a wire transfer.

Remember—if you ever feel uncomfortable or intimidated by a caller, it’s best to hang up.

It’s important to protect yourself and your family by staying informed about illegal call centers and common scams. If you or a loved one have been targeted by an illegal call center, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also research the company online and contact your state attorney general’s office for more information.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to offer advice on dealing with scams and resources on how to stay safe. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’d like to stay up to date on the latest scam alerts and safety tips. Together, we can help protect our community from scams.

Featured by The Seniors Center

Don’t Fall for This Social Security Scam Letter

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Your Social Security number (SSN) is a vital part of protecting your personal and financial information. It’s used for everything from filing taxes to opening a bank account. Unfortunately, scammers are using it for their own gain by preying on unsuspecting seniors.

How the Social Security Scam Letter Works

How does this scam work? According to an NBC affiliate station, you’ll receive a letter that claims to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’ll claim that your SSN is being suspended because of suspected identity theft. The letter will go on to claim that your SSN is part of a $14 million dollar fraud investigation and will require you to call a phone number in order to reactivate it.

Of course, this is all lies.

The real Social Security Administration may contact you by letter, but they won’t ask for your personal information or threaten to suspend your SSN—and they’ll know your name. If you look closely at this Social Security scam letter, you’ll notice:

  • It doesn’t address you by name
  • The date isn’t in American format

And, of course, your Social Security number cannot be suspended—it’s yours for life.

The Seniors Center

If you receive one of these letters, DON’T call the number or provide any personal information. Keep your information safe by knowing the signs of a scam and never giving away your SSN. The Seniors Center Blog is here to help you stay informed and alert. Discover more tips and resources on our website, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information.

by The Seniors Center

Here’s How Social Media Scams Have Hurt Seniors

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Social media has greatly impacted the way we communicate, connect, and share information with one another. It has also revolutionized the way businesses market their products and services. However, along with its many benefits, social media has also brought about an increase in scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors.

According to a report from CBS News, since 2021, Americans have lost $2.7 billion in scams that originated on social media. But what makes these scams so effective, and why are seniors more susceptible to them?

Scams and Social Media

One of the main reasons for the success of social media scams is their ability to reach a large audience quickly. With millions of users on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, scammers can easily target multiple individuals at once with just one post or message. Additionally, the anonymity provided by these platforms makes it easier for scammers to avoid detection and continue their fraudulent activities without facing consequences.

The types of scams targeting seniors on social media vary, but some of the most common ones include:

  • Fake romantic relationships where scammers target lonely individuals
  • Financial scams promising quick returns or financial assistance
  • Tech support scams offering fake technical support services

Whether it’s a fake love interest or a fraudulent service, these scams often aim to get individuals to share their personal information or send money.

Staying Safe from Social Media Scams

So, how can seniors protect themselves from falling victim to social media scams? Here are a few simple tips that everyone should keep in mind:

  1. Be wary of suspicious messages or posts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t click on any links or respond to messages from strangers claiming to have an amazing offer for you.
  2. Verify the source: Before engaging with any offers or messages, make sure to verify the source. If it’s a business, check their official website or social media page. If it’s an individual claiming to be someone you know, reach out to that person through a different platform to confirm.
  3. Keep personal information private: Do not share your personal information such as passwords, bank account details, or social security number on social media platforms. Scammers can use this information to steal your identity and commit fraud.
  4. Report suspicious accounts: If you come across a suspicious account or encounter a scam, make sure to report it to the respective platform authorities immediately.

The Seniors Center is here to help seniors stay safe. From posts on new scam tactics to updates on important Social Security legislation, the Seniors Center is your go-to resource for staying informed and protected. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook today!

by The Seniors Center

Robocalls and Medicaid: What You Need to Know

Robocalls are becoming an increasingly common issue, especially in relation to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that over half of all robocalls are related to scams. With the rise of this fraudulent activity, it’s essential for those enrolled in these programs to be aware of potential risks associated with robocallers.

Protecting Yourself from Robocallers

Business Insider details some key steps to take in order to protect yourself from these potentially shady callers. Firstly, if you receive an unexpected robocall regarding your Medicare or Medicaid information, it’s important not to provide any personal details and hang up immediately.

It’s also important to be aware of the number that is calling you, as scammers have been known to spoof legitimate numbers. If you receive a call and are unsure if it’s associated with Medicare or Medicaid, you can always contact the official agency directly with any inquiries.

There are even ways to limit or stop robocalls completely, such as using caller ID services or signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry. By making sure that your number is blocked from potential scams, you can not only protect yourself from fraud but also reduce the amount of unwanted calls that you receive on a daily basis.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center Blog is here to help retirees stay informed and make the most of their Medicare and Medicaid benefits—without the fear of being targeted by robocallers. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about recent Social Security news and senior scams.

by The Seniors Center

How Attempted Scams Could Impact Your Mental Health

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If you’ve ever been the victim of a scam, you know how upsetting it can be. You may feel embarrassed, confused, and even scared. What you may not realize is that being scammed can also take a toll on your mental health.

A recent Washington Post article explored how scams can impact mental health. With seniors being targeted more and more by scammers, it’s important to be aware of the potential impacts.

Mental Health and Scams

The emotional toll of being scammed can be significant. Many victims report feeling angry, anxious, and depressed. In some cases, the experience can trigger PTSD-like symptoms. The psychological effects of being scammed can also last long after the event itself. Victims may struggle with trust issues and become more isolated.

Scam artists often use intimidation or manipulation to take advantage of their victims. They might claim to be from a government agency or say that a loved one is in danger. This can leave victims feeling scared and helpless.

It’s important to remember that you are not to blame if you’ve been scammed. No one deserves to be exploited in this way. While scam artists will continue to find new ways to target their victims, there are several basic steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Never give out personal information.
  2. Hang up on suspicious calls.
  3. Trust your gut.

Remember, if something feels off, it probably is.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center Blog is committed to helping seniors stay informed and safe. Check back for more articles on scams and other safety concerns. And be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update!

by The Seniors Center

Gift Card Scams Swindle Seniors Out of Millions

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Many seniors are aware of the most common forms of fraud targeting older adults, like romance scams and grandparent scams. However, scam artists are always coming up with new ways to attempt to steal money from hardworking Americans. Gift card scams, in which scam artists use tech support to weasel their way into seniors’ lives, have conned some individuals out of all they have.

One Woman’s Gift Card Scams Story

AARP has reported extensively on different forms of fraud targeting seniors, including gift card scams. One woman interviewed, a former teacher, spent $45,000 on gift cards over the course of three days. She was targeted by two individuals: one posing as an American Express employee, the other pretending to be a Microsoft tech support agent.

These individuals claimed that they could see illicit purchases made by the woman online and that there was a warrant out for her arrest. For them to help her, she would need to purchase them gift cards to the tune of five figures.

It was only once the ordeal was over that the former teacher realized she had been the victim of a scam. Now, working with the police, the FBI, and her credit card company, she’s making an effort to get back what she’s lost.

Staying Safe

How can you avoid falling victim to this scam? First, know that no legitimate company or government agency will ask you to pay them in gift cards.

Additionally, pop-ups on your computer purporting to be from Microsoft can be a form of fraud. When in doubt, reach out to your credit card company or tech support agency directly rather than calling the number the pop-up provides.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to keep seniors informed about the forms of fraud targeting older Americans. We invite you to learn more about The Seniors Center today. Then, keep up with The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss a post.

by The Seniors Center

‘Criminals Love Driver’s Licenses’—5 Reasons to Keep Your ID Safe

Your driver’s license can feel like a passport to everyday life. You probably make sure you never leave the house without it, and losing your ID can be a headache. But did you know that criminals could use your driver’s license for a multitude of scams?

The Most Common Driver’s License Scams

Losing your ID is just one way that scam artists can use your driver’s license. They can also use a photo or scan of your license to use your information. According to AARP, a few of the ways that fraudsters could use your ID include:

  • Giving it to police in the event that they’re arrested
  • Applying for credit cards or loans in your name
  • Creating fake IDs with your information that will scan just like the real thing
  • Renting apartments and signing up for utilities under your name without paying
  • Buying a car in your name

If you lose your ID, the best thing to do is to immediately report it. Contact your state’s motor vehicle agency to report a stolen ID, and contact the FTC if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft. The sooner you act, the less time scam artists have to use your information.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help you stay safe from scams, elder abuse, and fraud. Follow us today on Twitter and Facebook to learn more!

by The Seniors Center

Ways to Stay Protected from Guardianship Fraud and Abuse

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Guardianships are often put in place to help support and protect seniors who have advanced memory issues or other concerns that make independence possible. While these can be helpful for those who have loved ones in charge of the guardianships, there is also a possibility for guardianship fraud and abuse.

A recent piece by U.S. Representative Charlie Crist of Florida details some of the forms this fraud can take and ways that seniors can stay protected.

Since guardianships control finances, living arrangements, and medical decisions, having the wrong hands in charge can be disastrous for seniors. Guardianship fraud and abuse can involve taking funds from seniors, including their Social Security benefits and retirement savings.

A few ways to protect yourself or a loved one include:

  • Create power of attorney documents – These will ensure that only someone you trust can make important decisions for you.
  • Talk with a lawyer – Have a lawyer look over any important documents, like a living will.
  • Call on Congress to pass legislation – Ask you representatives to pass legislation protecting seniors.

Taking these steps can help you stay protected against guardianship fraud and abuse.

At The Seniors Center Blog, we’re helping seniors stay safe in retirement. Learn more about the scams that target retirees today—and follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!

by The Seniors Center

Billions of Scam Texts Are Sent Every Year—Stay Safe with These Three Tips

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It happens all too often—an unknown number pops up in your text messages, asking for personal information or offering a free gift that is too good to be true. The sender might even seem like an innocuous wrong number asking about the weather. Unfortunately, these are signs of a scam.

How Scam Texts Work

According to CBS News, one of the most insidious ways that scammers use text messages is through copycat bank fraud. Typically, this will start with a seemingly innocent text asking about a potentially fraudulent charge. The text will ask the recipient to answer “yes” or “no” to confirm or deny the charge. By responding, the recipient has unknowingly confirmed that their number is activated and that they are a real person—the perfect target for the scammer.

Other forms of scam texts include phony delivery scams, bogus gift scams, and fake offers for free or discounted services. In each case, an unsuspecting victim can easily end up giving away personal information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Stay Safe with These Tips

Our top three tips for staying safe from scam texts include:

  1. Never answer a text from an unknown number — If you don’t recognize the sender or aren’t expecting a text from someone whose number you don’t have saved, do not respond to the message in any way. Just delete the text and go about your day.
  2. Verify all bank charges before responding — If you receive a text asking about a bank charge, do not respond with yes or no. Instead, contact your bank directly to confirm if the charge is legitimate.
  3. Never give out personal information over text — When scammers ask for any kind of financial or personal information, such as passwords or Social Security numbers, do not provide it. Legitimate businesses and institutions will never ask for this kind of information over text message.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help you stay safe. Stay up-to-date with the latest scam alerts and information by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

by The Seniors Center

AI Scams: How Artificial Intelligence Could Be Used to Target Seniors

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AI is becoming increasingly accessible and sophisticated, giving scam artists opportunities to target seniors in new ways. AI algorithms can be used to generate realistic-looking calls, emails, and texts that can fool even the most tech-savvy seniors.

AI and Scams

A recent 60 Minutes segment detailed just how online scams might use AI to target seniors. In the piece, they detailed how scam artists could use AI-generated voices to call seniors and sound like a real person. The scammer would use this technology to build rapport with the person they are calling and make them more likely to fall prey to their demands.

Of course, AI is just a tool, and it can also be used to help prevent scams—for example, it could be used to monitor spending so that loved ones can see if their parents or grandparents have sent money to scammers. AI can also be used to detect suspicious emails or phone numbers that could indicate a scam is underway.

Becoming more familiar with what AI can do and how it can be used for scammers is an important step in helping protect seniors from scams. If you know what to look out for, you can stay safe.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help retirees learn about the latest ways that scam artists are targeting seniors, from AI-generated calls to phishing emails. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated, aware, and ready to protect yourself from scams.