Common Frauds and Scams
COMMON FRAUDS AND SCAMS: Here is a list of common ruses that attempt to cheat you out of private information and financial assets. The tactics of scammers change continually, so check with your local elder services for updates.
ROMANCE: Someone will cultivate an online relationship with your loved one, earning their trust, and then request a “loan” to help with a health crisis or other emergency.
TECH SUPPORT: Your loved one will get a pop-up window, text, phone call, or email saying that their computer has a security issue, and say that they need to download a program or interact with a tech support person to “fix” the problem, which could result in their having remote access to your loved one’s computer.
GRANDPARENT HELP: Emails posing as messages from a grandchild or other family member might simply read “I’m in trouble. Please click here to help me.” As the messages are vague, your loved one may simply assume someone they love is in trouble, and attempt to help.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: People posing as representatives of the IRS, Medicare, or Social Security will claim that your loved one has an overdue bill or other issue that needs to be addressed by paying money, or otherwise face jail or confiscating property.
YOU ARE A WINNER! Your loved one may be told that they have won a prize, and then asked to provide personal information, or send money to cover the cost of shipping the prize.
