Tips To Identify A Scam
Financial scams targeting older adults continue to rise, hitting a high of $8.8 billion lost in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. While everyone is susceptible to scams, scammers target seniors more frequently than other age groups. However, by understanding the most common types of financial scams, you’ll have an easier time identifying them and reducing your risk of falling victim to a thief.
Types Of Scams
Unfortunately, many scams target older adults, mostly through texts, emails, or phone calls. A few of the most common scams include government impersonations, sweepstakes, and fake tech support scams.
Government Impersonations
A government impersonation scam is when an individual calls you and pretends to be a government official. These types of scams are most common around tax season as scammers will claim to be a member of the IRS, needing information to confirm if you filed your taxes. Usually, these scammers will ask for your social security number, name, or other personal information.
No one from a government agency will ever call you and ask for personal information. If a government official needs to contact you, they will do so with an official letter that may require you to call them or visit an official government building.
Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes scams are the ones most people are aware of, yet they’re still commonly used to gather credit card and other personal information from unsuspecting seniors. A sweepstake scam is when a person emails, texts, or calls you saying you won a sweepstake, but to claim your prize, you have to confirm personal information, such as a name or credit card number.
A company won’t randomly award you a prize if you have not entered a sweepstakes. Also, if you win a legitimate sweepstake, they should never ask you to confirm more than your name.
Tech Support
A tech support scam is when you receive an email, text, or phone call from someone claiming to be tech support for a service you use, often an online banking or payment app. The scammer will claim they have a technical problem with your account or profile and need you to confirm your information, such as banking account numbers or your social security number. If the scammer contacts you through an email or text, they may ask you to click on a link that will bring you to a “secure” page to enter your information.
Tech support for apps will never contact you and ask you to confirm information. They may email you and ask you to log onto your app or the website and change your password, but they’ll never have you do it over the phone.
Identifying A Scam
Understanding common types of scams is only the first step to keeping yourself safe. If you receive a suspicious text, email, or phone call, any of the following red flags are signs it’s a scam, and you should stop communication with the scammer.
- The person asks you to provide sensitive personal information such as your social security or credit card number.
- The person sends you an email from an unofficial email account.
- The person will not answer questions or they try to hurry you into providing them with information.
- The person becomes threatening or unkind.
- The person attempts to scare you with fines, jail, or other punishments.
While these are common red flags for a scammer, you may only experience one or two of these signs during a scam. However, trust your gut if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable or uncertain during a situation. It’s better to cease communication with someone you think is a scammer rather than risk putting your finances and identity at risk.
What To Do If You Fall Victim To A Scam
Scams happen. And while it may feel embarrassing to fall victim to a scam, you must report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. Once you report the scam, the FTC will provide follow-up information on how to stay safe while your scam is under investigation.
If you’ve provided credit card information to a scammer, contact your credit card company and ask for a freeze on your account and a new card number. If you’ve provided banking information, contact your bank and ask them to freeze the transaction and provide new banking information.
How Visiting Angels Can Keep Seniors Safe From Scams
Scams can be convincing, especially if they’re online. However, having another person around to evaluate a situation and help you navigate technology can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to a scam.
Visiting Angels Cullman offers various at-home care services for local seniors, including our social care program. Caregivers providing social care want to help seniors get the most out of their technology while ensuring they’re safe online.
If you want to learn more about our social care program or other at-home care services we offer, you can send us a message online.