According to the FBI, each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of fraud like romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few. Criminals communicate with them directly via computer, phone, and the mail.
Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite and they usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive targets.
Here are some common scams to be aware of:
- Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
- Grandparent scam: Criminals pose as a relative, claiming to be in immediate financial need.
- Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
- Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust.
- Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.
To learn more about this important topic, join me on Facebook Live at 3 pm Tuesday 5/25. Tania Nemer and James Pollack from The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office will help us learn ways to minimize the chances of becoming a victim. We will discuss ways to avoid scams which target identity and money as well as ways to protect yourself while out in the community.
