Elderly Scam Awareness

Scammers are highly sophisticated, developing creative and elaborate techniques or stories. The approach they use may vary but the motive is always the same: stealing your money! The Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3) is the primary federal agency, overseen by the FBI, for investigating cybercrimes. They track and receive thousands of daily complaints, involving Elder Fraud (victims 60 or older).

Remember to ALWAYS report your concerns. Reach out to your local law enforcement agency IMMEDIATELY, whether you have been the victim of a scam, think you may have been scammed or believe someone you know may have been scammed. The sooner you report the concern, the better chance of prosecuting the perpetrators. And remember these rules:

• Never send money to someone you don’t know! Do not wire funds or send cash in the mail.
• Never buy gift cards to pay bills or taxes or fees of any kind.
• Never click on links in pop-up windows, e-mails or text messages from people you do not know.
• Never grant anyone access to your computer or phone that you do not know.

 

Beware of These Common Scams

IRS/Social Security/Government Scams: The IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA) or other federal government agencies WILL NEVER reach out to you by phone, e-mail or text. If they do…it’s a scam!

Impersonators are trying to get your social security number, bank information or other sensitive information. They may threaten to cut off your benefits or take you to court if you fail to provide or confirm information. NEVER give/confirm any personal information by phone, e-mail or text, especially your social security number, date of birth or other sensitive information.

Granny Scams: Grandparents are easy targets, especially when it comes to their grandchildren. BEWARE if you get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, alleging they are in trouble or have been arrested. They tend to ask you keep it a secret and don’t tell their parents, expressing an urgent need for you to wire money, buy gift cards or send cash. DON’T DO IT! At the very least, call your grandchild directly, or verify the information with their parents.

Romance Scams: There is nothing wrong with companionship, but don’t allow yourself to be the target of a con. Relationships with online companions are often a scam when your new friend is never available to meet in person, does not call (only texts or e-mails), lives in another state or country and begins to ask for favors and/or money once you are comfortable. NEVER give money, or any form of payment (gift cards, cryptocurrency, pre-paid visas, etc.) to strangers or someone you have not met in person. DON’T do them favors they are unable to do for themselves.

Phishing Scams: Scammers will often use fake e-mails or text messages as a way to try and get your personal information, such as log-on information, passwords, account information, etc. It is a way for scammers to gain access to your computer in an effort to steal your identity, your money or both. They will often contain misspelled words. Don’t engage with unsolicited e-mails or texts and NEVER click on links from unknown sources.

Utility Payment Scams: If you receive a call stating your utility bill is past due and you are being threatened with disconnection for failure to remit payment immediately…it’s a scam! BE CAUTIOUS if you are asked to remit payment via a gift card or wire transfer.

Free Trial Offers: You won’t stay in business long if you are giving it all away for free, right? Research the company and offer before subscribing, look out for pre-checked boxes that might opt you in or obligate you to other terms, review the terms and conditions for each offer and know how to cancel should you no longer wish to participate. Free trials can cost you more than you anticipated.

Home Improvement Scams: Legitimate businesses typically don’t knock on your door to solicit their services. If you are hiring someone to do work around your home, make sure they are a licensed contractor or registered with the state. Take the time to verify references and secure a written contract, with a copy of the contractor’s insurance information, before any work begins. Make sure any necessary permits are taken out in the name of the contractor. Payments should be broken up over the course of the project. Seek several estimates to confirm the cost of the project. Don’t feel rushed or pressured into making a quick deal. If the price sounds too good to believe STOP and ask yourself why.

Flood Car Scams: Vehicles that have been deemed a total loss due to flooding are sometimes salvaged and restored. These vehicles are sold at significant discounts because you don’t have “clean” title but a “rebuilt” title. Avoid buying a flood car by having a certified mechanic review the vehicle prior to purchase. Verify the car fax history. Inspect the vehicle’s carpet and upholstery, take notice of any smells or orders and look for water stains.

Imposter Scams: The No. 1 payment method for imposter scams are reloadable credit cards or gift cards. Imposters convince you to purchase these cards and read the numbers off the back of the cards. As soon as that number is redeemed, your money is gone. NEVER pay for any bills, taxes or services with these types of payments.

Tech Support: Computer software or tech companies are not going to reach out to you advising you have a virus on your computer. NEVER give anyone you don’t know permission to examine your computer or grant them remote access. DON’T click on any link sent to you in a pop-up screen or e-mail, and NEVER give out your password.

Charitable Scams: Charities will often call looking for donations. BEWARE! Scammers often misidentify themselves as a charity by giving names which closely resemble ones in which you may be familiar. They may even change the caller ID to make it appear they are a local organization. DON’T feel rushed into providing a donation. Verify the organization is a legitimate charity, visit their website or do an online search about what others have to say about the organization.

Have concerns about being scammed? Contact your local local law enforcement agency immediately for assistance, or call the Manatee County Elder Helpline at (941) 742-5818.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: (941) 747-3011

Bradenton Police Department: (941) 932-9300

Palmetto Police Department: (941) 721-2000

Bradenton Beach Police Department: (941) 778-6311

Longboat Key Police Department: (941) 316-1977

Holmes Beach Police Department: (941) 708-5804

Anna Maria Island Police Department: (941) 708-8899

Sources:
* Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3) 2023 Elder Fraud Report