Older adults are a frequent target of scams for a variety of reasons, including social isolation and cognitive issues. After encountering one such scam firsthand, I decided to share a warning about a few of today’s most common scams. I’m a retired attorney and have researched these scams.
The bait-and-switch email: You get an email from someone you know, but it seems overly general. “Hi. Sorry to bother you, but …” To see if it’s legitimate, hit reply — but don’t send a reply email. A scammer’s return address will have a one-letter change from your acquaintance’s address. If you reply, you will get another email asking for something specific and wanting a prompt response. Delete the email and send a new email to your friend advising them of the scam.
The automatic renewal: You get an email telling you that your subscription has been automatically renewed. If it’s from a business you recognize, contact the company directly. If not, delete.
The friendly text: You get an overly general text from an unknown number: “How are you doing?” All they want is a response. The next text will ask for something specific. Delete.
The banker text: You get a text from your bank telling you about suspicious activity. Banks and similar institutions will not contact you this way. To find out if there is a legitimate issue, go to the bank’s website or call the number on your credit or debit card. Do not tap the phone number in the text. Although the number may look familiar, it will actually dial a different number leading to someone who will pretend to be from the institution.
The grandma text: You get a text from someone who claims to be your grandchild and to need help in an emergency, such as a traffic accident, arrest or banking problem. They need money right now. Here’s an extra clue: They’ll say, “Don’t tell Mom.” Either call the grandchild at a known number or just delete the text.
The “yes” call: “Can you hear me?” “Is this (your name)?” This scammer wants you to say “yes” so they can record your voice. The best response? “Who is calling, please?” If the caller asks about your insurance or Medicare status, it’s a scam. Anyone legitimate will already have that information. Don’t attempt to play with a scammer. Nothing good will come of it.
Too good to be true on Facebook: You see a Facebook ad for a product that is deeply discounted. It often is not. Don’t click the link, but open another window and go to the store’s website to verify.
Another Facebook scam: Someone you know forwards you a message. The most common version starts out like this: “Facebook is going to share your personal information unless you …” This scam has been circulating for years. Ignore or delete the message.
Amazon reviews: Don’t believe all the five-star reviews. Many are fabricated. Search online for the name of a product followed by the word “reviews,” then read reviews from recognized experts.
Credit over debit: Wherever possible, use your credit card instead of your debit card. To avoid a balance, pay it off each cycle. This protects you from unauthorized charges. With a debit card, an unauthorized charge removes money from your account and it may take time to get the money back. You don’t want anyone to get access to that account. But an unauthorized charge on a credit card will not affect your credit limit while the matter is investigated. For all financial accounts, regularly change your passwords and require two-factor authorization, which combines a traditional login with a code sent by text or email.
Your best defense is to be vigilant and independently verify the truth of any offer. Anyone who is contacting you for a legitimate purpose will understand your caution.
