Well, of course not! We don’t start our day thinking, “I’ll answer that email from the Financial Administrator of Zimbabwe, and send them my bank account number.” None of us think that we will be scammed. We think that we’re smart enough to avoid the tricks and lures of the professional scammer.
Tell that to Melanie* who lost thousands on a sweetheart scam. Melanie was lonely and isolated, and spent a lot of time on Facebook where she “met” and fell in love with a FB ‘friend’. He needed money to travel to the US (with his daughter) to meet Melanie and get married. Unfortunately, he ended up in an accident that landed him in the hospital, and he needed more money. Then, his phone was stolen and he needed a replacement. Melanie gave him her account number to replace it. He bought 3 phones (and ended up with her account number). By the time a friend encouraged Melanie to seek help, she was over $5000.00 in debt with several other issues pending (outstanding credit card and account numbers, etc). Melanie was still second-guessing her decision to seek legal advice because she didn’t believe that he would take advantage of her.
You can also tell that to the victim whose grandson was involved in a car wreck and jailed. The victim was told the grandson may have COVID and “may not receive proper care if he were in jail for several days,” according to court records. The victim withdrew $27,000 from a bank. A courier came to the victim’s residence to pick up the cash, records show. (1)
Did you catch that? The perpetrator went to the VICTIM’S HOUSE to pick up the money. The FBI warns consumers about this escalation of the scam, adding that perpetrators may also send a cab or Uber to get the money.
We need to be more cautious and proactive with the escalation of scam attempts, and the increased opportunity to scam consumers. COVID has provided a whole new array of fears for scammers to use, including promises of cures, and alarming calls about family members who may have COVID and need help. Remember – scammers use fear and intimidation.
You need to be fully cognizant of the fact that scamming is a business, and that these people are GOOD at what they do. They have a goal, and they know how to get what they want. They want money. They want gift cards. They want personal information such as your bank account number, your Social Security number, and your Medicare number.
They Are Out to Get You
That’s the first step – know that people ARE out to get you. The second step – know that you need to control what information they get
- Do not give personal information. Period.
- Be aware that scammers can “spoof” numbers so it looks like the call is from someone you know.
- If you answer the phone and it’s a scammer, hang up. Don’t worry about being polite. Just hang up!
- Do not answer “yes” to a question. This can be cut and inserted after any number of questions that you don’t want to be answered “yes”!
- Do not press “1” for a representative, to be removed, or whatever option. Just hang up.
- Just as phone numbers can be spoofed, email logos and headings can be falsified. Don’t assume that the email is legit. If you have a question about the content, look up the number on your account or on their real web site and call them.
- Do NOT call the number listed on the email.
- Do not click on a link in an email.
- Do not let “service” people in your home. Ask for a photo ID. If you are not satisfied, call the company.
- Do not fall for the “it must be done now” deal. This is often a drive-by with landscaping, paving, driveways, roofing, home repairs, tree removal, and home improvement offers.
- You need to be aware of how much information is available on-line. (Name, address, age, relatives and more)
- Be VERY cautious about what you share on Facebook, Twitter, etc. People lurk on these sites gathering information that they can use to take advantage of you. Don’t share EVERYTHING!
- Google yourself some time.
- Do not act rashly and impulsively if you get a call about a relative’s emergency. Take a deep breath. Call the relative in question. Establish a codeword or phrase to use with your family so if you do get that call, you ask the caller for the code word or phrase.
- If you get the Relative Emergency Call, do not say “Is this you, Relative’s Name?” You are providing information to the caller.
- If you suspect a scam or have been scammed, call your state’s Attorney General, the police, the Federal Trade Commission, and/or the FBI.
- You can go to the Better Business Bureau’s ScamTracker website to see what scams are out there and where. (2)
We need to be cautious for ourselves and our older relatives.
*Identity changed.
(1) AARP, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/grandparent-scams-coronavirus.html
(2) Better Business Bureau, https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/
Ann Koegler, MA, LSW
Altenheim Resource & Referral Services, Wheeling WV
