Tag / scam artists

by The Seniors Center

How Attempted Scams Could Impact Your Mental Health

mental health and scams
Unsplash

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

Seniors Are Safer with These Three Scam Artists Behind Bars

scam artist counting money
Pexels

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.