HOW NOT TO GET SCAMMED

It’s no secret that the elderly are some of the most vulnerable people when it comes to scammed, and the scammers know this. There are dozens of terrifying scams to trick the elderly into handing over their money, so pay attention.

Here are some common scams:

1. SOMEONE ASKS YOU TO HELP SOLVE A PROBLEM

   Scammers may use calls or texts to demand money, impersonating entities like the IRS or business vendors, claiming overdue payments or fines. They may also mimic the voices of people you know, fabricating dangerous situations to try to get your money.

2. SOMEONE ASKS FOR YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

   Text message scams often impersonate well-known organizations like delivery companies or government agencies. They fabricate urgent problems like delivery errors or payment issues. This is a trick to make you focus on a fake problem while inadvertently handing over your personal information.

3. SOMEONE UNEXPECTANTLY OFFERS YOU AN OPPORTUNITY

   Fake opportunity scams can take various forms, including unsolicited job offers and manipulated videos featuring prominent figures promoting investment schemes. Scammers will try to gain your trust and steal your money by offering you a future payout.

4. SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW CONTACTS YOU AND TRIES TO MAKE A CONNECTION

Unfamiliar numbers sending vague, personal-sounding texts like 'Hi' or 'Hey' may not actually be accidental wrong number texts. Scammers often use these messages to verify active phone numbers before attempting to build a relationship with you to gain your trust.

HOW TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED:

The best way to avoid being scammed is (drumroll please):

IGNORE TEXTS, PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS FROM ANYONE YOU DON'T KNOW.

IGNORE TEXTS, PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS FROM COMPANIES THAT THREATEN YOU OR ASK FOR MONEY.

NEVER ANSWER A TEXT FROM A PHONE NUMBER THAT IS NOT IN YOUR CONTACT LIST.

IF YOU ANSWER A TEXT OR PHONE CALL ASSUME THAT YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED.