“There has been a problem with your delivery, click here for more information.”
“There was an issue processing your recent Netflix payment, please click this link to update your billing information.”
More than likely, you have received text messages and emails like the above statements. Chances are these are from scammers attempting to steal your information and your money. Americans, especially aging adults, are losing billions of dollars a year to scams. This ongoing problem is considered Elder fraud. Elder fraud is any scam that targets older adults and exploits them for monetary gain, such as financial fraud or identity theft.
With financial scams targeting older adults on the rise and widespread, let’s start the new year by identifying some scams and how to best avoid them.
DON’T CLICK LINKS!
It is always best to avoid using links or phone numbers included in the communications. Contact the company using a phone number or email that you know is real.
SOCIAL MEDIA HACKS
Social media sites are prime targets for scammers. Many of us enjoy sharing information about our lives with friends on sites such as Facebook and Instagram. However, safety should always be on our minds.
Facebook quizzes with questions such as your first job, where you met your spouse, etc. are circulated and provide fun insights into our friends’ lives. However, these are often password security questions for online accounts. It is recommended to NOT complete or share these quizzes.
Friends may not be truly friends on social media. Make sure to keep your circle small. Only accept friend requests from people you actually know. If you receive a friend request from someone that you thought was already a friend, double-check with them before accepting the new request. A friend of a friend may not be who they say they are. Review your friend list and update privacy settings for extra protection against scammers. The creation and rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created additional opportunities for criminals to create profiles and work to gain your trust. Videos and profiles may be created to steal your information. Use extreme caution when accepting friend requests.
ROMANTIC NOTIONS
Romance scams are another high-profit opportunity for scammers. Dating site profiles are created by scammers to fool unsuspecting people into “falling in love” with the desire to defraud them of money. Business opportunities, sick relatives, and investment groups are often used to sway their new romance out of money. When meeting people online, ask questions, do a reverse picture look, and be cautious. AI-powered romance scams will also continue to rise – It is estimated that half of all profiles on dating sites are fake.
WEBSITE WOES
Websites appearing to be from a trusted source can be cloned and made to look like the real thing. When entering a website address, make sure you are typing the address correctly. Using search engines such as Google and Bing can be extremely helpful when gathering information. Remember the first website to pop up may not be the actual one you are looking for. Scroll down and review all your options before clicking on the link. The top ones listed may be paid advertisements created to look like actual sites.
SCAN THE SCAMMERS
Scammers want two things, an immediate response based on emotion. They are hoping your fear will cause you to take action by clicking on a link or calling a phone number. Take a pause, scan over all the information, and verify before reacting. One of the best ways to stay aware is to sign up for AgeWell Middle Tennessee’s Scam of the Month email. We provide an update on the latest scams and how to protect yourself. You can send an email to scam@agewelltn.org to sign up or visit our website at www.agewelltn.org/scam-prevention to learn more. We also present about scam prevention to community groups.
At AgeWell Middle Tennessee, we are passionate about reframing aging and addressing unmet needs by being a trusted community resource, a convener and catalyst for solutions, and a champion and advocate for older adults and family caregivers. You can learn more about our work and our resources, including the Directory of Services, on our website.
Paula Daigle, Community Engagement Director, has served older adults and family caregivers for over 15 years through her work with AgeWell Middle Tennessee. She is passionate about reframing aging and creating opportunities for older adults in our community.
