Phone scams are the most common scam used against the elderly, especially those who are living alone. Studies have shown that those over the age of 65 are nearly six times more likely to fall victim to phone scams than their younger counterparts.
Why Are Seniors Frequent Targets?
The elderly may be lonely, more willing to listen, or more trusting. This makes them prime targets to schemes involving soliciting wire transfers or fake purchases. Some callers may pose as family or friends in need of financial assistance, fake debt collectors, charities or bank employees.
4 signs that a caller is trying to scam you includes:
- Pretending to be from an organization that you know
social security, Medicare, IRS, etc. - They claim there is either a problem or a prize
You owe money, your computer has a virus, you’re in trouble with the government, you’ve won the lottery or a sweepstakes
- They pressure you to act immediately so you feel you don’t have time to think
threatening arrest, credit report issues, deportation
- They ask for payments in specific ways
Gift cards, money transfers, or sending you a check for deposit
Current Popular Scams in 2020
Fake calls from Apple or Amazon: You’ll get a recorded message saying that there is an issue with your account, an undeliverable package, or suspicious activity in your iCloud account – something to get you to speak to a representative to confirm your personal information.
Overpaid a utility bill: They claim you overpaid and want your bank account information to send the amount back. Utility companies don’t do this.
Threatening immigrants: Someone pretending to be from ICE wants you to pay them or they will deport you. The government will never actually call and ask for money over the phone.
COVID-19 tests: Callers will claim to be from health insurance or Medicare companies and offer to send you tests in exchange for payment.
One ring scams: Your phone will ring once and hang up. These scammers are hoping that you call back, where you’ll be hit with an international toll charge that goes straight to them.
Warranty expiration: Companies will never call to let you know that your warranty is about to expire.
Local number: Scammers often use numbers that are within your city or area code because they find that you are more likely to answer a local call.
How to Avoid Phone Scams
Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t know
Never provide any personal information, bank account details, passwords, or other sensitive information to the caller
Don’t follow prompts or click any links sent through text message
Download a spam call and text blocker. Apps like RoboKiller scans their known database to block these calls before they ever get to your phone.
More tips include checking your credit report frequently, using different passwords for websites, and make sure that you aren’t on a fraudulent lookalike website. If you are suspicious of a website, always check for reviews online or use Google’s safe browsing tool. Consider using PayPal for online purchases so that merchants can’t see your payment details.
Remember to never give bank account or other personal information to a caller on the phone, no matter who they claim to be. Legitimate companies will already know your personal information and many don’t call people directly. If you are concerned that there may be a real issue, it’s best to call the company’s customer service number and check with a representative who can verify that you were called by a scammer.
Make sure you check in with your senior loved ones and make sure they are aware of these phone scams and how to avoid them.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging loved one deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with a Caregiver from Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands.Each trained caregiver is a professional trained to make sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 523-0322
www.homecaresantaclarita.com
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