Scams Taking Advantage of our Seniors
Sunday March 15, 2015 - Jennifer Prell
Current Scams - No matter how
smart or educated you are you can fall victim to a scam. The people doing the scams are smart and good
at fooling people. There are many scams
going on right now. We are going to
discuss a few that are constant and abusing our older adults.
Charity
Scam: You get a call and mail asking
for money for charity. They may sound
legitimate but do little to contribute to charity (police, firefighters and
veteran’s charities). Make donations
directly to the organizations you want to support.
Medical
Alert Scam: You’ll get an
unsolicited call saying you’re eligible for a free medical alert system or that
your friend/family purchased one for you.
The caller will then ask for your personal information which might
include a bank account number, Medicare number, etc.
Pay Up
or Face Arrest Scam: The caller
knows your name and says he is calling from the “National Bureau of Crime
Enforcement” because there’s a warrant for your arrest. The caller transfers
you to a senior officer who says you owe the government money and if you don’t
resolve the issue you’ll be arrested.
Despite the questions the caller will not say where he’s from, what the
debt is for, what government agency was requesting the money. The called plays on fear and scares you into
giving personal information over the phone or sending money to them.
Front
Door Scam: DO NOT open your door to
strangers or let them in. Be cautious of
anyone at your door who doesn’t have an appointment. They’ll say their friend is sick or ask to
use your phone or try to sell you something.
Public Works Scam: The scammer claims they work for public works
and need to check water pressure, electric, sewer or other issues. Once they are in your home they’ll divert
your attention and their partner will sneak into the house and rob it.
Gypsy
Scam: Someone is at your door asking
if you want your driveway blacktopped/sealed.
They say they have extra material in the truck and have a great deal for
you. They don’t provide estimates,
paperwork, business cards and there’s no name on their truck. They’ll want to speak to you VERY BADLY
outside of your home. Don’t open the
door and tell them “no”.
Email Scam: “I am writing you this letter with tears in
my eyes! I was on vacation in ____ and I
was mugged! I went to the Embassy and
the police but they can’t help me for three weeks. I can’t wait because my flight leaves in
three days. The hotel manager won’t let
us leave until we pay our bill. Here’s
the number to call….” They will then
want you to wire money by Western Union.
This is a SCAM don’t give them any personal info or send any money. One of the most popular scams right now is
the
Grandparent’s Scam: You get a call from your grandchild. They don’t know your grandchildren’s name so
they will say “Grandma or Grandpa?” They
are hoping you give them a name. Once
you do they’ll impersonate your grandchild and claim they need money sent to
them by Moneygram or Western Union as soon as possible. They’ll give you instructions on where to
go. Call your grandchild and confirm
they are indeed out of the country, their ware bouts, and are they really in
trouble.
Be a smart
consumer. Ask questions and don’t send
money or give out personal information on the phone. No one will ask you for your social security
number, Medicare number, etc. just out of the blue. If you do fall victim call your bank and
credit card company immediately. Tell
them what’s happened and close your accounts.