Tag / senior fraud

by joshuastanley720

The SSA Shares Tips to Protect Your Personal Information

It’s always important to protect your personal information.

From your Social Security number and driver’s license to your financial accounts and credit cards, there’s plenty to watch over.

Scammers will work hard to obtain this information. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can use to protect yourself from trouble. Today we’ll be highlighting some helpful suggestions from the SSA that anyone can use.

Quick Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information

Let’s start with your Social Security card. Store this in a safe place, like a lockbox or a bank vault. You should also be careful to never share your number with an unknown party.

Speaking of which, beware of unknown callers. Scammers will do anything to appear legitimate. They’ll spoof legitimate authorities, or even look up information about you to try and sway you. Some will try to threaten you, while others will promise rewards in exchange for the information they want. A general rule is to hang up when in doubt and contact the SSA – or whoever the caller claimed they were.

When it comes to online accounts, always make strong passwords. We created a guide you can use here. What about the person who prefers to deal in paper documents? That’s fine – but always remember to shred them after using them. Scammers will go through trash to try and find personal information, so make sure the documents are destroyed.

You can also secure your mobile and desktop devices with PIN numbers, custom security settings, and antivirus software. Finally, check your credit report regularly to look for suspicious transactions or unknown inquiries.

For more tips on protecting yourself and your information, follow our blog. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

by joshuastanley720

This Woman Lost $500K to an Elaborate Social Security Scam

Just how easy is it to fall prey to an organized Social Security scam? Imagine you’re relaxing one ordinary day, when you get a phone call. The caller identification indicates it’s the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You pick up the phone, and before you know it, you’re being patched through to multiple parties across different departments. The goal? To clear your name, after your Social Security number was stolen.

This is what happened to an Ohio woman. But there was no stolen number – at least not initially. That’s because the call and the entire operation around it was a Social Security scam. Now she’s sharing her story in hopes it may help others stay safe.

This Social Security Scam Had Everything – Including One Twist

The Ohio woman who was targeted was preyed on using fear mongering. As we’ve discussed, this is arguably the most popular tactic of scammers. They told her that her number was linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities. She worried she could face jail time.

But the person on the other line, who claimed to be from the SSA, assured her they were there to help. She mentioned the operation was very smooth. The person she was talking to had all the answers, and never hesitated. In addition, her calls were put through to multiple departments. The fact she talked to many different people may have made the scam seem even more real.

While it has all the makings of a classic scam, this one had one unique aspect. The woman was told to take her retirement funds and put them into gold. Then multiple people came to her home to pick the gold up. The first people who came by have not been caught. But the second pair of individuals were pulled over by police. They found the gold and the woman’s receipt in the car. Court records reveal the individuals recently served prison time, and are part of an international organized crime group.

As for the victim, though, her $500,000 in retirement funds is gone. After working for 40 years, she’s now looking for a job. She shared her story in hopes it may help someone else. She also shared her address in case anyone would like to help her – P.O. Box 604, Pataskala, OH 43062.

For more news on Social Security scams, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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by joshuastanley720

Use These Resources to Protect Your Social Security Number

If you’re looking to protect your Social Security number, we’ve got some tips for you.

This data point is one of the most heavily guarded for all, and for good reason. Because of this, many resources exist to help you protect it.

Today we’ll discuss some tools designed to protect your number from unauthorized use. We’ll also provide some tips you can use if you think your number is at risk for any reason.

Tools and Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number

We start our list at the source. The Social Security Administration’s website is your first stop to protecting your number. On your account, you can check to see if your earnings are accurate, which could provide clues if anyone has used your number illegally.

There are many ways data thieves can use your number. One is to file taxes, and stick you with the bill. Luckily, you can lock your number on E-Verify, so only you can use it. As a bonus, you’ll get an alert if anyone tries to use it.

What about if someone tries to sell your number on the dark web? Many identity theft protection systems such as Aura can scan for instances like this. They can also do the same for your credit card numbers, address, and much more.

Beyond just using the right tools, there are other ways to protect yourself. If you believe your number has been stolen, you can put a fraud alert on it via the SSA’s website. You can also check your Social Security statement regularly for any suspicious activity.

With the right approach, you can keep this value data point protected. We’re happy to help you safeguard your privacy and your peace of mind. Bookmark our blog so you never miss a post.

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by joshuastanley720

No, Your Social Security Number Isn’t “Suspended”

Most of the things that chill us to the bone are works of pure fantasy.

Think about the terrors on the silver screen, or the spine-tingling scenes in the pages of great books. Most of what fears us is the unknown, or more specifically, the seemingly impossible.

As we’ve discussed, scammers love to use fear to prey on people. So when you get a call or an email saying your Social Security number is suspended, feel safe in knowing this is another fantasy created to scare you, and not a legitimate communication.

Why Suspended Social Security Number Scams Are Effective

Think about how many ways we use our Social Security number. This crucial data point comes up again and again in life and work.

A Social Security number is key for identity verification. It’s key in us receiving the retirement benefits we’ve fairly earned. There’s also its use in tax purposes, security clearances, and more.

As discussed here, this type of scam is all too common. It takes people by surprise, and this state of shock can render them vulnerable. It’s then the scammer on the other end of the line will tell the fearful target that they can “reinstate” the number by verifying it, paying money, or sharing other personal information.

While these scams are real, the concept of your number being suspended is false. If you are targeted by a scam like this, cease all communication with the other party. Contact the Social Security Administration directly and tell them about what happened.

This way, you can report the fraud to protect others You can even put a flag on your number if you believe it may be in danger.

For more facts about avoiding Social Security scams like suspended numbers and more, follow our page.

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by joshuastanley720

Celebrate “Slam the Scam Day” and Consumer Protection Week With Us

In today’s digital age, where information is just a click away, seniors are increasingly becoming targets of online scams, particularly those related to Social Security.

The “Slam the Scam” movement emerges as a beacon of hope, aiming to empower seniors and others against these malicious activities.

This holiday, which is celebrated March 7 as part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9), aims to help seniors harness the greatest weapon they can in the war against data thieves – knowledge.

How Slam the Scam Day Reminds Us to Stay Safe

The essence of Slam the Scam lies in education and awareness. By educating seniors about the tactics scammers use, the movement equips them with the knowledge needed to identify and avoid potential threats.

This knowledge comes through workshops, online resources, community outreach programs, and more. Seniors are taught to recognize red flags such as unsolicited phone calls, emails requesting personal information, or threats of legal action if information or money isn’t provided.

Check out this video on the movement:

Slam the Scam emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant. Seniors learn about verifying the authenticity of any communication related to Social Security or financial matters. Encouraging seniors to verify the identity of the caller or sender, cross-check information with trusted sources, and never share sensitive information over the phone or online significantly reduces their susceptibility to scams.

Beyond just safeguarding seniors, Slam the Scam benefits people of all ages by fostering a culture of cybersecurity consciousness. By promoting best practices for online safety and data protection, the movement helps individuals across generations thwart various forms of online fraud and identity theft.

In essence, Slam the Scam isn’t just a movement. It’s also a shield against digital predators, empowering seniors and others to navigate the digital landscape securely. Through education, awareness, and vigilance, we can collectively combat online scams and protect our communities from falling victim to cybercrime.

Want to help us stick it to scammers? Bookmark our page. What’s more, you can share your opinion. Have you been targeted by scams? Do you know someone who has? Be sure to report it to the authorities. You can also share your experience to help others.

Become a part of our community today. You can do this by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s stay safe from scams, together.

by The Seniors Center

Seniors Are Safer with These Three Scam Artists Behind Bars

scam artist counting money
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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.

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by joshuastanley720

Scammers Use This Trick to Steal Your Passwords and More

If you’ve ever wondered how hackers get your password, you’re not alone.

Countless people are targeted every year. This credential is sometimes the only defense that keeps data thieves from your accounts, private information, and money.

But it’s not a lucky guess, or even a secret program that enables the breach. The answer to how hackers get your password is not so much an answer in itself – it’s more about questions.

How Do Hackers Get Your Password? Through Your Security Questions

Sometimes it’s fun to browse the pages of social media. Whether you’re swapping stories with friends or checking out the great content from us here at The Seniors Center, it’s a fun way to spend your time.

Who hasn’t scrolled past posts that evoke personal feelings and invite conversation? Maybe it’s a picture of a dog or cat, and asks you to recall memories about your first family pet. It could be funny old yearbook photos, with questions about your high school experience.

The problem is the name of your first pet or the name of your high school could be an answer to your security questions – and these seemingly innocent posts are easy ways for hackers to get that information. Always remain vigilant, and never share even simple personal data like this in a public post.

There are other steps you can take to protect yourself. One is to use a unique word or character combination as the answer to all of your security questions. That way if a hacker is trying to guess your favorite food or the make of your first car, they’ll never guess your unique word in a million tries.

You can also set many accounts to alert you at a separate email or phone number if excessive logins are tried, or a password reset is attempted.

For more tips on how to protect yourself from scams and hackers, follow our page. You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

by joshuastanley720

The Rise of AI Social Security Scams

While the rise in artificial intelligence has been helpful in some ways, it’s also had negative consequences. One of the biggest threats to seniors today is AI Social Security scams.

These schemes rely on the vast power of this technological tool. Instead of using it for good, attackers use it to aid their efforts to defraud seniors of their hard-earned money and their private information.

The truth is that anyone can become a victim of these types of scams, so it helps to know how they work and how you can protect yourself.

How AI-Powered Social Security Scams Work

Have you ever considered AI’s impact on scams? About 75 percent of Social Security recipients aren’t aware these scams target them.

So how exactly is this tool weaponized?

It can be used in multiple fraudulent and illegal activities. Data thieves can use it to try and breach passwords. AI can gather information about a person’s background, and try hundreds or even thousands of possible password combinations in mere minutes.

We also know AI is designed to emulate humans. It can be used to create texts, letters, and emails that seem professional and legitimate. It can also be used to create audio and video clips that sound and look like an actual person. Even experts struggle to tell the difference.

Scammers plan their efforts well in advance. They usually come in with full scripts and work fast to intimidate or entice their targets.

So how can you stay safe?

If you receive a suspicious communication, end it. You can always contact your local Social Security office to see whether it was legitimate. Stay vigilant, and you can protect your information from AI scams.

Want more content like this? Follow our blog. You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

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

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

apartment rental scams
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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.