Your grandson phones, scared; he’s been arrested for drug possession and needs several thousand dollars for bail. A police officer will collect cash from your home. Of course you’ll help your grandson; you love him. Or the IRS phones saying you owe money. If you don’t pay immediately in gift cards they will arrest you. You’re a lawabiding citizen so you follow their directions.
Don’t do it!!
American seniors are conned daily into paying money through scams such as these. In 2021 the FBI reported over 92,000 senior victims of fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses, a 74% increase compared to 2020. Social media provides fraudsters with family member’s names and loved ones’ voices are faked using vocal cloning software, so it’s easy for criminals.
Consider these tips:
1. Think through what you are being directed to do. If you are threatened because you ask questions, you are likely being scammed. Contact the person that is supposedly in trouble, they are probably fine.
2. Don’t send cash or money with a wire transfer, money order, cryptocurrency, payment app or gift card when someone directs you to over the phone.
3. Tell callers that you will return their call. Don’t accept the phone number that they give you as being legitimate, even if caller ID indicates who it is; check online and phone that number.
4. Never reveal personal information including your social security number, bank account, passwords or credit card numbers.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to your local police and your bank. In California you can also report to California Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832.
