Scams, Scams, and More Scams
Everyone is a target of a scammer. Everyone, especially seniors, are potentially a victim of a scam artist. Scammers come up with very creative and convincing ways to get you give them your money, your house, your lifesavings. They work hard to make things seem legitimate when in fact, it’s fraud.
With so many types of scams out there, how does someone stay informed and safe? AARP and the Federal government are two great resources to check out and stay one step ahead of a scammer.
AARP Fraud Watch
AARP offers a comprehensive Fraud Watch website highlighting the different ways scammers work to get your money. From the newest scams, like toll road collections, to the oldie but goodie ones, like telemarketers, AARP has comprehensive reporting on what the scam is, how to spot it and how to report it. They even have a weekly podcast that talks about the biggest current scams out there. You can hear the victims tell their story and even how these evasive criminals get caught.
There are a plethora of How To Avoid and What To Do articles along with articles for victims and how to get support if a scammer took your money or your house.
You will find at the link below, close to 85 different types and categories of scams. Knowing how the scammers operate will give you the best protection against them.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Federal government brings numerous resources to the table to help everyone, especially older adults, fight scams and protect themselves from fraud. Resources include advice for consumers, caregivers & service providers, as well as financial institutions.
You can work closely with your bank or credit union to set up someone you trust to be a point of contact for the bank. Let’s say there is suspicious activity on your account and you are not available to verify a transaction. The bank could reach out to your trusted point of contact to help verify or monitor transaction. This does NOT give your trusted person access nor the ability to withdraw funds but does help alert you to potential fraud.
You can also report scams or potential scams to the Federal government.
Arm Yourself
By learning how scammers work creatively and how slick they are, you can spot the scam phone call, email, or text message right away. Not responding to the false urgency or the panic will keep you and your money safe. Be smarter than they are by being aware. Verify what the scammers are saying by hanging up and calling the person or bank directly. Do you know this person or company? You can always check with a trusted friend or family member to help you. Do an online search for the phone number or company.
Together with knowledge and quick thinking, you can protect everything you worked for.