Tag / scam calls

by The Seniors Center

How Attempted Scams Could Impact Your Mental Health

mental health and scams
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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

The Biggest Red Flags in Scam Calls

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!