More than 2 million people in the United States file fraud complaints each year, many of them in the senior population. Here are some tips that can help you identify a scam before falling victim.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #1
If someone contacts you from an organization you trust, verify that they are who they claim to be. You can hang up or stop replying, then contact them using information on the organization’s website.
Verify the organization. Call them back: Scammers want to build trust fast— preferably in a matter of seconds. They often pretend to be from a government agency or another well-known organization such as Apple, Medicare, Amazon, or local utilities companies. These imposter scammers will have specific, personal details that make them seem legitimate. Never give out your credit card or social security details over the phone unless you are the one who initiated the call.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #2
Be aware of people who present you with a problem or a prize. Never give out personal details or credit card info over email or over the phone during an unexpected, incoming call.
Be skeptical of urgent problems or sudden prizes: If you get a call about a sudden problem (a missed bill, back tax, family health emergency) that until now, you hadn’t known about, be alert. Be skeptical of any unexpected prizes like a sweepstakes or all-inclusive vacation. Oftentimes, scammers will use these scenarios and ask for a “small fee” to claim winnings.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #3
Keep social media accounts private. Never give someone who contacts you remote access to your computer or device.
Avoid oversharing personal details online: Scammers are experts at extracting info. Sometimes they will research their targets beforehand. They might call and know names, hometowns, family members or home purchase prices. This kind of information is available online, and is easy for them to access. Having this information also makes it easy for them to win your trust and get more details from you. After purchasing a home, your personal details may be more readily available online. Be alert.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #4
Even if something is urgent, there is always time for you to verify details online.
Remember, there’s always time to double check: If you or someone you know is being pressured to make an immediate payment, be suspicious. Scammers expect victims to act fast, before anyone can realize they are illegitimate, so they threaten with losses. If you feel nervous, time-pressured, or afraid of losing benefits during a phone call, it may be a scam.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #5
Only use protected, traceable methods of payment. Using a credit card means seniors can dispute payments “after the fact” if a product is not delivered as advertised.
Pay with credit card: Scammers often request specific forms of payment. Anytime someone asks to be paid quickly via wire transfer, gift card or mailed cash, be wary. Most legitimate organizations offer a variety of safe, traceable payment options and let you decide the best form of payment.
BONUS TIP
To opt-out of marketing calls and easily recognize scams, consider registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Within a month of submission, all legitimate businesses should stop calling you. Scammers will still use your number, but you will know that the calls you receive are no legitimate.
>>Click here for more information on senior scams & safety from the FBI.
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