5 Tips for Seniors to Avoid Scams

More than 2 million people in the Untied 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:

1. Verify The Organization. Call Them Back

Scammers want to build trust fast – preferably in a matter of seconds. They will often pretend to be from a government agency or another well-known organization such as Apple, Medicare, Amazon, or local utility companies. These imposter scammers often have specific, personal details that make them seem legitimate. Remember to never give out your credit card or social security details over the phone unless you are the one who initiated the call.

2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Problems or Sudden Prizes

If you hear of a senior citizen getting a call about a sudden problem (a missed bill, back tax, family health emergency) that until now, they hadn’t known about, be alert!

Seniors should remember to 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.

3. 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. Remember to be alert and avoid sharing personal details.

4. Remember, There’s Always Time to Double Check

If you hear of someone pressuring a friend or family member 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. Keep in mind that if you feel nervous, time-pressured, or afraid of losing benefits during a phone call, it may be a scam.

5. 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 not legitimate.

 


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