Tag / senior fraud

FBI senior scams
by The Seniors Center

VIDEO: The FBI Warns Seniors About Common Scams

YouTube

Many scam artists target elderly Americans. They can be attractive targets because many seniors have retirement savings or own their own homes, resources that are valuable to scammers. The FBI works to take down scam artists, but relies on tips and insight from everyday American seniors to find out what common scams are causing problems.

This video from the FBI details how a former director of the agency was targeted by a scam and how he and his wife were able to take down the scam artist. Their article also gives seniors insight into how they can spot and report fraud.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

According to the FBI, of the most common senior scams include:

  • Lottery scams – Be wary of anyone contacting you claiming that you have won money
  • Caregiver or guardianship scams – These insidious forms of fraud take advantage of seniors when they are most vulnerable
  • Tech support scams – Giving out passwords or access to devices can allow scam artists to steal personal information or money

If you suspect that you’re being targeted by a scam artist, you can use the FBI Tip Form to report your findings. Giving as much detail as possible can help the agency track down bad actors.

The Seniors Center is committed to keeping seniors safe online. Learn more about our mission today—and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!

by The Seniors Center

FBI Releases Details About Cyber Crimes in 2021—Here’s How to Take Action

Pexels

The FBI has recently released statistics detailing the cyber crimes that have taken place so far in 2021. These crimes range from phishing scams to ransomware attacks, and they have affected individuals, businesses, and government entities alike. The good news is that there are steps that everyone can take to protect themselves from these types of attacks.

Here are some of the most common cyber crimes that have been reported so far this year:

  • Ransomware – This type of attack involves criminals using malicious software to lock up your computer files and demand a ransom in order to get them back. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for businesses, as they can result in the loss of important data and files.
  • Supply chain attacks – These attacks target the supply chains of businesses in order to gain access to their networks. Once inside, the attackers can then install ransomware or steal sensitive data.
  • Critical infrastructure attacks – These attacks target the systems that control our critical infrastructure, such as power grids and water treatment plants. These attacks can have a significant impact on public safety.

For individuals, the best defense against these types of attacks is to educate yourself about the risks and be aware of the signs of an attack. If you receive a suspicious email, don’t click on any links or attachments. Change passwords regularly and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. And, if you are a victim of an attack, don’t pay the ransom.

Learn more on how to stay safe from our past articles on cyber security tips. And be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update!

by The Seniors Center

The FTC’s New Advisory Group to Fight Scams

FTC advisory group
Pexels

There are many different types of scams targeting seniors, from fraudulent investment schemes to fake lottery scams. And with seniors being one of the most vulnerable demographic groups when it comes to fraud, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has put together a new advisory group to help fight back against these scams.

How the FTC Advisory Group Will Fight Back

According to the FTC, this group is part of the Stop Senior Scams Act. It will bring together “federal agency partners, consumer advocates, and industry representatives” to identify and find ways to stop scams that target seniors.

A few of the ways that the group plans to do this are by:

  • Improving education efforts
  • Finding innovative ways to prevent scams
  • Improving industry training
  • Developing research to better understand how seniors are targeted by scammers

This initiative comes on the heels of a new program in Pennsylvania bringing together government agencies and community resources to help seniors who have been victimized by scams. This new wave of anti-scam efforts is a welcome relief for seniors.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help seniors stay safe from scams and other threats. Keep up with our latest posts on Twitter and Facebook and learn more about our mission today!

by The Seniors Center

Don’t Fall for This Scam Involving Doctored Credentials

Unsplash

Seniors are frequently targets of scammers who attempt to exploit their vulnerabilities. One popular scam that has been making the rounds lately is an impersonation scam involving doctored credentials.

How Does the Impersonation Scam Work?

The Social Security Matters Blog warns of the rise of this scam. How does it work? The scammer will contact the senior by phone, email, or even in person. They will then claim to be from a government agency or another credible source. The scammer may say that they need to verify the senior’s Social Security number or other personal information, or that they need to pay money to resolve an issue or receive a monetary reward of some kind.

It’s important to know that no government agency or credible source will ever contact a citizen and ask for personal information over the phone or via email.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency, do not give them any information. Instead, hang up the phone or delete the email. If you are contacted in person, ask to see their credentials. If they do not have any credentials, or if their credentials look fake or doctored in any way, do not give them any information.

The Seniors Center Blog

The Seniors Center Blog is here to warn you about this and other scams that target seniors. Stay informed and stay safe—and be to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook for our latest updates!

by The Seniors Center

VIDEO: Former FBI Director’s Response to Being Targeted by Scammers

elder fraud
Unsplash

Even our nation’s top law enforcement officials can be the targets of elder fraud.

In 2021 alone, more than 92,000 seniors were victims of elder fraud. And one scammer picked an unfortunate target: the former director of the FBI and his wife. Watch below to see how former FBI Director William Webster and his wife Lynda handled a scammer who took it a step further by threatening violence.

While not every senior has the same connections as former members of the FBI, everyone can learn from how he and his wife handled this situation. They shut down the scammer and reached out for help right away.

Lynda advocates for a community approach to end elder fraud. “The younger people have to keep an eye on mom or dad or an elderly neighbor,” CBS News quotes her as saying. Checking in on elderly friends or neighbors can help protect them from scams.

Never give out personal information, no matter how benign it may seem. Even something as seemingly innocuous as your birthday can be used to scam you. Be especially wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue, whether it’s by phone, text, email, or in person.

If you think you’ve been the victim of elder fraud, reach out to your local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The Seniors Center is committed to helping seniors stay safe from elder fraud. Keep up with our latest updates by following us on Twitter and Facebook today!

stealing from seniors
by The Seniors Center

How a Massachusetts Woman Stole from Residents in Senior Living Facilities

stealing from seniors
Pexels

Scams targeting seniors are always heartless. But one of the worst ways that criminals attempt to steal from seniors is by first posing as a trusted helper.

That’s exactly what happened recently at a senior living facility in Massachusetts, where a woman posing as a nurse’s aid was caught stealing precious valuables and money from residents.

According to AP News, the woman had personal checks, valuables, and ID cards from a number of senior living communities. By targeting individuals in senior living with dementia, she was able to steal without anyone noticing.

Seniors can stay safe by being wary of anyone asking for sensitive information. While scammers will continue to pose as helpful professionals, being alert and aware of your surroundings is important.

The Seniors Center is working to educate and inform seniors to help them stay safe. From senior scams to Social Security, we have the latest information on what seniors need to know. Visit our website for more information.

To find out more about what you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones, visit our website—or follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update.

by The Seniors Center

How The Seniors Fraud Prevention Act Will Help Older Americans

Pexels

Too often, the tactics used to put an end to scams targeting seniors only work once fraud or abuse has taken place. It’s more difficult to prevent fraud in the first place. However, a new law, The Seniors Fraud Prevention Act, could help.

What is The Seniors Fraud Prevention Act?

Just last week, President Biden signed the bill into law, according to reporting from CBS affiliate WGME. The Seniors Fraud Prevention Act enjoys bipartisan support and exists to protect senior citizens from becoming victims of scams in the first place. The act provides for a new office within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that will work to root out scams and provide education for vulnerable seniors.

A few of the provisions of the act include:

  • Enhanced fraud monitoring
  • Increased consumer education on scams and forms of fraud
  • A stronger complaint tracking system at the Federal Trade Commission

These efforts can help protect seniors from fraud, but avoiding falling for a scam involves vigilance as well. If you suspect that you are being targeted in a scam, report it to the FTC right away.

The Seniors Center works to serve as a resource to older Americans by educating our readers on fraud, scams, and issues surrounding Social Security. Stay up-to-date on our latest posts by following The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook today!

by The Seniors Center

Social Security Resources to Protect Your Private Information

social security resources
Pexels

For seniors, keeping private information safe is of the utmost importance. However, staying safe online can be challenging. Luckily, seniors can take advantage of a number of resources from the Social Security Administration to protect their information.

According to the official Social Security blog, several resources are available specifically so that seniors can protect themselves online. These include:

  • A my Social Security account – Open an online account to check for suspicious activity
  • The “Guard Your Card” infographic – Learn when you might need to show your Social Security card and when to keep it private
  • The Social Security Administration’s Privacy page – Discover how the SSA works to keep your identity safe

You can learn more about these and other resources on the Social Security Administration’s website. Share what you learn with your loved ones as well, as this information can help everyone whether they’re a Social Security recipient or now.

We’re working hard to ensure that seniors can stay safe from scams, fraud, and identity theft. Stay updated with The Seniors Center Blog’s latest updates by following The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook!

by The Seniors Center

Stress and Scams Go Hand-in-Hand, Finds New Study

stress and scams
Pexels

Being on the receiving end of a scam call or email is frustrating at any time. However, if you’re stressed, it’s possible that you could be more susceptible to frauds. Stress and scams, according to a report by AARP, are closely linked.

Staying aware of current scams can help you avoid giving out personal information. Learn more from The Seniors Center Blog today!

The Connection Between Stress and Scams

There are a number of risk factors that can make an individual more likely to fall victim to a scam. These can involve what time of day they’re targeted, their age, and even recent life events.

Those who have recently been through a traumatic and stressful event such as a divorce, illness, or job loss are more likely to give out information or even money to a scammer. Why? Because scam artists use these events to their advantage.

Scam artists learn everything they can about their marks and use this to keep victims distracted. Those who have been through stressful events might also not have a strong network of support to fall back on. This is a cocktail for disaster.

Stay Safe from Scams

Learning about these risk factors can help you stay safe from scams. In times of stress, don’t let your guard down. Investigate suspicious calls and reach out to loved ones for help if needed.

The Seniors Center Blog is here to help seniors avoid scams and frauds. Make sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update!

by The Seniors Center

Government Imposter Scams Targeting Seniors

government imposter scams
Pexels

You might know to stay clear of calls from unknown numbers, as these can be scams targeting you for money or information. The ubiquitous calls asking about your car’s extended warranty, for example, are easy to hang up on. But what about when you receive a call from an unknown number and the person on the other end of the line is from Medicare? Or the IRS? Would you be so quick to hang up? Scammers prey on this hesitation in order to steal from vulnerable seniors. Learn more about how to spot government imposter scams so that you can stay safe.

What Are Government Imposter Scams?

Government imposter scams typically involve phone calls. The person on the other end of the line will immediately jump into either threats, demands, or even offerings of money to get you to give up information or money. According to AARP, some of the most common government imposter scams include:

  • Posing as a Medicare employee
  • Pretending to be from the Social Security Administration
  • Acting as a student loan officer
  • Pretending to give out a grant
  • Posing as the FBI

How to Stay Safe

The government will not call with demands—instead, government agencies will typically communicate through the mail. If you’re concerned about a phone call or other communication, hang up and call the agency yourself or look into what the scammer is saying online. It’s likely that other individuals have reported similar calls.

The Seniors Center wants retirees to stay safe from scams. Keep up with our blog on scams, fraud, and abuse to help ensure that you’re not caught off guard. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!