About six years ago The Vegas Voice decided to highlight and warn seniors of the various scams surrounding us when we answer the telephone or turn on our computers. At the time, I believed a periodic update and reminder would be sufficient.
I was wrong.
Not only are there more seniors scams now than six years ago, but the bad guys have become better and more skilled at deceiving victims. In an obscene way you have to give them credit. And if only they would use their skills and abilities for good, I can only imagine how better off this country would be.
The most recent scam getting attention was about a New York “granny” who lost her life savings to an online scam. Now we can discuss and even disagree as to whether she was naive, ignorant or even stupid for her actions.
And it is also a fair point to look into the “fault” of the financial institutions to allow this to happen to their customer and/or where was granny’s family or friends? But the fact remains, she is out the money.
With the holidays approaching we thought it was important to remind readers that the bad guys are everywhere and busier than ever. Remember this: You’re not a “Scrooge” if you do not trust anyone – especially an unsolicited telephone call or text.
Notwithstanding the sophistication of these SOBs, including the use of AI that can impersonate any voice (from President of the Unite States to your own spouse) there still remains one “tell” that no matter how much you are falling victim to the scam or how much you believe that everything is true and accurate, the scam is exposed.
That’s when the scammer demands payment by:
1. Gift cards or
2. Western Union Wire Transfers (does anybody still do this?) or
3. Cryptocurrency (does anybody even know what this is?).
There are no exceptions to this 100% rule. If payment is requested or demanded this way it is a scam, Always, always, always.
And in the very, very, rare possibility that the scammer will be sending someone over to your house (after you give them your address) to collect cash, call 911. That’s also always a scam and under these circumstances, even the police will immediately come to your rescue.
As for those texts and emails, unless you know exactly who those messages are from, delete, delete, delete them. I assure you that if it was from Aunt Martha, or the “authorities” they will contact you again. Scammers on the other hand, simply move on to the next potential victim.
And if scammers don’t want your money, they want the next best thing – your financial information. Like your Social Security or Medicare number and/or your banking information.
Never, never, NEVER disclose that information and if such a demand is from the “authorities” (any authority!) once again it’s a scam.
One last reminder: No matter how dire the situation may be, no matter how “urgent” the problem is, or you’re are told to “stop everything and act now” you always need to take a breath and think.
Even better, call someone – be it a family member, trusted friend or even me at The Vegas Voice. If your particular circumstances are legit (and they never will be) such payment or disclosure of financial information can wait an hour… or a day.
One final thing: You cannot believe how many people I’ve spoken with who tell me that they feel bad to simply hang up on the scammer. What if it is really a legit call?
My suggestion (although it never happened). Blame it on your spouse.
