Scams and How to Avoid Them

Dishonest people have been in the world since the beginning of time.  Today, however, there are many devious scammers who prey on the elderly and some of their schemes can catch you off guard.

Data from 2023 shows that fraud accounted for about $10 billion dollars in losses.  If you are elderly, you account for about $3.4 billion of that with an average of $34,000 for each instance of fraud.

What types of scams are there these days and how can you avoid them in today’s blog.

Imposter Scam

This is when the fraudster poses as a trusted official like a government official, bank representative or a trusted business.  

You might be told that your electricity is behind and will be shut off so you need to send money immediately.  You might also hear from a loved one in your family who is in terrible trouble and needs money wired to an account right away.

Solution:  Never give personal information over the phone and never send money without verifying information.  Hang up and contact the bank or business or your loved one or a family member to follow up.  

Tech Support Scams

You may use a computer and have an email account.

Beware of phony tech support people asking for remote access to your computer or a fix for a problem you might be having.  Remote access lets them get your personal information.  Your issue might not be resolved but you’ll be asked to send money.

Beware also of being told you have overpaid on a tech-subscription and they look for your banking information to pay you back.

Solution:  Never allow remote access to your computer and never send money for any services that you haven’t lined up directly.

Online Shopping Scams

Amazon, eBay and other online shopping sources are subject to scammers.

You may get an offer that is too good to be true and money is needed asap to reserve it.

There could also be a request to send money to a specific app or platform that serves only the scammer.

Solution:  Do not click on links received via email or a text especially when it asks you to update passcode information or it is something that needs immediate attention.  Amazon does not work that way.

Private Home Health Care works with many people and we try to warn them of the tricks of scammers.  They can be very sophisticated.  Bottom line is do not be too trusting and verify, verify, verify before you give you any information or money.