PROTECTING YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES IN THE AGE OF SCAMS AND TECHNOLOGY

We all want to believe that we and our loved ones can spot a scam and won’t fall prey to one. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to decipher what is legitimate versus a scam. So as savvy as we may be, these days it’s critical to remain vigilant.

Scammers use technology and pose as Social Security, Medicare, and IRS representatives, family members in trouble, charities, potential suitors, and much, much more. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraud for a myriad of reasons, such as a lack of technological knowledge, generally being uninformed about email phishing expeditions and the latest scams, loneliness, and a proclivity to be much more trusting. And when neurodegenerative disorders affect seniors, it makes them even more susceptible. 

Here are some practical steps to take to avoid falling victim to scams:

• Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Requests:

            -Don’t give out personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t initiate. This includes emails, texts, phone calls, or in-person interactions.

• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links:

            -Scammers often use fake websites to steal your information. Instead of clicking on links in emails or texts, type the company’s address directly into your browser.

• Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers:

            -If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of offers that promise quick riches, miracle cures, or other unrealistic outcomes.

• Verify the Legitimacy of Communications:

            -If you receive an email or text from a company you do business with, don’t click on any links. Instead, use the company’s official website or phone number to verify the communication.

            -If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a family member in distress, don’t send money immediately. Hang up and call the family member directly using a number you know is legitimate to verify the situation.

• Protect Devices and documents:

            -Keep software and antivirus programs up to date to protect yourself from online scams and shred all unneeded documents that have identifying information.

If you feel that you or a loved one has been a victim of a scam, here are some things you can do:

Report the Scam

-File a report with the FTC (for complaints about scams, fraud, and bad business practices).

-File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (for scams involving the internet).

-File a report with local law enforcement.

-File a report with FIRNA, the SEC, or your state’s securities regulator (for complaints against financial professionals and transactions).

-Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (for mail fraud).

Protect Yourself

-Stop all contact with the scammer.

-Monitor your financial statements and credit reports on Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax financial statements, and consider a credit freeze or fraud alert.

-Change email and account passwords.

-Contact your bank(s).