From Ronda’s Front Porch to Yours
Financial scams that target seniors and really anyone are very prevalent, and often considered the “crime of the 21st century”.
Financial scams often go unreported and are hard to prosecute. However, they can be devastating to the person attacked. During this time of social distancing, scamming schemes are also increasing. Many people are isolated and are not communicating with family and friends so they may be unaware of scams.
Tips for identifying scams
Urgency — scammers apply pressure and fear to get you to act quickly.
Scarcity — scammers will tell you there is a limited supply and you must do such and such by now. You cannot hangup or you will miss the deal.
Social Consensus — scammers want you to believe everyone else is doing it too and you don’t want to miss out.
Credible Sources — claim they are reputable business or organizations.
Some to the claims scammers are using during this COVID-19 time may include the following:
• In-person visits to your home or a call saying they have at-home COVID-19 tests you can purchase from them.
• In-person visits to your door or a call and saying they have cures or medicines to treat COVID-19 or vaccines to prevent it.
• Telephone calls posing as people as a hospital or doctor saying they are treating a family member and need payment right away.
• Telephone calls pretending to be a charity asking for donations.
• Emails claiming to be from the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control wanting you to download something from an email. This is a virus for your computer and can hack information.
Tips to protect yourself from a scam
• Be aware and know some of these scams.
• Don’t isolate yourself. Especially now. Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t call and talk to others.
• Tell solicitors that call you: “I never buy from or give to people on the telephone. I respond to written correspondence.” Scammers will not mail you anything.
• Never give your credit card, banking, Social Security, Medicare or other personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
If you think it may be a call from a valid business or organization, hang up and call back to a number you know or look up the organization.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, do not be afraid or embarrassed to talk to someone you trust. You are not alone.