Posted on

Seniors and smishing scams.

A growing smishing scam is targeting drivers across the country — and seniors are among the most vulnerable. Retirees are on the road, traveling, rolling through toll booths — so getting a text saying they owe money, might seem legit. But, never click the link!

Here’s what to look out for.

The Seniors Guide has all the details about the nationwide scam posing as E-ZPass and other toll agencies that fools people into handing over sensitive personal information and money. This is part of a growing trend called smishing, a mix of SMS (text messaging) and phishing (fraudulent attempts to get your personal info).

📲 What the Scam Looks Like
These scam texts may seem urgent and official. They often include:
>A small balance due (like $12.51)
>A large late fee warning (like $50)
>A link to a site that looks like it belongs to your state’s toll system

Example: “NY E-ZPass: We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51. To avoid a $50 late fee, visit [fake link] to settle your balance.”

Don’t fall for it — clicking that link can expose you to identity theft, credit card fraud, or worse.

🚨 What to Do If You Get One
Don’t click the link — even out of curiosity.
Delete the message.
Check your real toll account by going directly to the website or calling customer service.
Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).

If you clicked the link:
Change your passwords (especially for banking).
Monitor your accounts.
Consider a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

🔐 How Scammers Use Your Info
If you give scammers personal information — even just your name, birthday, or a password — they can: Hack into your bank or email accounts, open credit cards in your name, and pretend to be you and scam friends or family.

🧠 Smart Ways to Stay Safe
Never click links from unknown numbers, use unique, strong passwords for every account (a password manager can help), set up two-factor authentication where possible, freeze your credit so no one can open new accounts without your permission.

✨ A Good Rule of Thumb
If a message feels off, stop and think. Would your toll company really text you like that? When in doubt, go directly to the source — and never give out info unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re talking to.

>>Click here to real the full article from Seniors Guide.

Posted on

Property Tax Scams to Watch Out For

Elder Phone Scam And Fraud Using Credit Card

One of my top priorities is to help you safeguard your most valuable asset: your home. Property tax scams are on the rise, targeting unsuspecting homeowners with increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Here are 6 property tax scams that are out there and ideas of ways to protect yourself and your property.

1. The “Official” Letter Scam:

Scam Alert: Scammers often send homeowners official-looking letters or emails that appear to be from government agencies or tax authorities. These letters claim that your property taxes are past due and threaten severe consequences, such as foreclosure, if you don’t pay immediately.

Protection Tip: Contact your local tax assessor’s office directly using publicly available contact information to confirm any outstanding taxes.

2. Overpriced Property Tax Services:

Scam Alert: A company may promise to lower your property tax bill for a fee. They may say they have “inside knowledge” or a special relationship with tax authorities, but their services are often overpriced or even fraudulent.

Protection Tip: Research the company thoroughly, check for reviews, and consult with a trusted financial advisor or attorney before making any payments.

3. Phony “Tax Relief” Companies:

Scam Alert: Fraudulent companies may present themselves as tax relief organizations, promising to help homeowners reduce their property tax burdens through loopholes or tax evasion schemes.

Protection Tip: Always work with reputable professionals when seeking legitimate tax advice or assistance.

4. Fake Property Tax Assessors:

Scam Alert: Some individuals may pose as property tax assessors, offering to reassess your property at a lower value for a fee. These assessments are often unreliable and can lead to legal trouble.

Protection Tip: Verify the credentials of anyone who claims to be a tax assessor and check their background. Legitimate assessors should have proper licensing and be affiliated with reputable organizations.

5. Unsolicited Door-to-Door Offers:

Scam Alert: Be cautious of someone who shows up at your door claiming to be tax assessors or offering to lower your property tax.

Protection Tip: Decline their services and ask for identification and contact information.

6. Wire Transfer Requests:

Scam Alert: Scammers may request payment via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency, making it difficult to trace the money once it’s sent.

Protection Tip: Always use secure and traceable payment methods. Government agencies will typically provide official channels for payment, such as checks or online payment systems.

Property tax scams can be financially devastating and emotionally distressing. The best defense against these scams is to stay informed and vigilant. Verify the legitimacy of any communications or offers related to your property taxes, and consult with trusted professionals when in doubt. Remember that legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment through unsolicited letters or phone calls.

If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a property tax scam or have any concerns about your property taxes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you protect your home and your financial well-being.

Safeguarding your home is not just about buying the right property; it’s also about protecting it from potential threats.

Posted on

Georgia’s AG warns seniors not to get tricked!

(From the AG Office) Attorney General Chris Carr is urging Georgia’s older adults and their caregivers to stay informed on how to recognize and avoid some common scams. While these schemes can and do happen to people of all ages, the perpetrators often target older adults because they are frequently home during the day, have money saved, and may be too polite to hang up the phone or turn away a solicitor.

“We must do all we can to protect the most vulnerable among us, especially with con artists constantly inventing new ways to perpetrate their crimes,” said Carr. “Our Consumer Protection Division offers a number of resources to help older adults recognize and avoid scams, and we stand ready to assist those who may fall victim to this type of fraud.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers the following information to help Georgians protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

>>Here’s the list of common scams taking advantage of seniors and their families.