How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Scams

From: helpfulguide.com

Probably the most import step to remember for a senior to avoid a scam or fraud is to remember

“DO NOT MAKE A RASH FINANCIAL DECISION”

  • Don’t fall for demand for immediate response or payment
  • If you feel the contact is illegitimate do not respond and hang up
  • Remember trustworthy companies and the government do not force an immediate decision

AVOIDING ONLINE SCAMS

  • Never click on a suspicious link or attachment in e-mail or texts
  • Keep computer security software up-to-date
  • Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face, even if you have an online relationship
  • Back away from an online acquaintance who professes their love, or ask to keep the relationship secret
  • Check out the domain name, the scammer may use a website name that is different from the real site
  • Remember the government will NEVER make the initial contact via email, social media or text. Their initial contact will ALWAYS BE BY U.S. MAIL
  • Consider making your social media account private, only allowing access to friends and family. If you do remain public NEVER post personal info.
  • If the online message is from a business, such as a bank, call the official phone number or visit a local branch to verify contact.

AVOIDING PHONE SCAMS

  • If pressured to make a sudden payment, tell them you need time. If pressure continues, hang up
  • If contact claims to be a relative, verify by contacting close friends or family
  • Never assume the caller I.D. number is correct, frauds can spoof the real number
  • Never respond to a call or text stating you’ve won a prize, they will need some personal info to verify you are the winner
  • Never give personal info. (i.e., SSN or Bank Account Number, etc.) over the phone or email
  • Always question a contact asking to give money towards a gift card

AVOIDING IN-PERSON SCAMS

  • Never let a stranger into your home, especially if you are alone
  • Never leave valuables in plain sight
  • If someone comes to your home claiming to be a company rep., get all the company contact info. and tell them you will check it out with the company
  • Never give an in-person contact a signed check with an unfilled amount payable