Be Aware

Anyone can fall victim to an internet scam. Yes, many are obvious and easy to avoid, but others prey upon our fears and vulnerabilities.
Whether it’s an Instagram investment scam or one taking advantage of coronavirus fears, a scammer can do a lot of damage if they catch you at the right time and hit the right triggers.

Popular scams right now that are aimed at seniors include:

Romance

Scammers who, after initiating an online relationship, request money for any number of reasons, preying upon an established emotional connection.

Money Transfer Scams

Scammers claiming that a cash prize has been won and to collect, the target must transfer money to cover processing fees and taxes. A variation of this scheme includes a scammer posing as a grandchild in a dire situation needing cash.

Calls & Emails

If you receive a phone call or email from a well-known merchant do not reply or call the number they gave you. Often these emails or phone numbers are fraudulent. Contact the company directly to verify.

Ways to help avoid scams:

Ask Questions

If you’re not sure about something, ask to verify the legitimacy. Whether that be claims made by companies or documents your asked to sign and may not understand.

Monitor Account Activity

Continually monitor all your financial accounts, check all payments and withdrawals.

Regardless of your age, be wary of anyone on the internet who asks for money. Ask a lot of questions, and don’t hesitate to come forward if you think you might have been scammed. The sooner we know about a problem, the sooner we can act.