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