BE IN THE KNOW THROUGH THE ACSO
Sheriff Mark Melton
FIGHTING FRAUD
TOP 10 SCAMS TARGETING OUR NATION’S SENIORS
Every day in Appling County somebody is getting scammed, either by phone or in person, but rest assured, it is happening. Most often, it is our elderly, but everybody is a possible victim. If you are the victim of any scam, please report this to our office or the police department so that we can track the scams that are occurring in our area and attempt to stop this activity. And remember, if it is too good to be true, it is most likely not true!
In 2017, the Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline received a total of 1,463 complaints from residents across the country. Considering the number of calls received in Appling County, this may be a very conservative figure. The top 10 scams listed below accounted for 75 percent of the complaints.
#1 IRS IMPERSONATION SCAM. This scam received twice as many complaints as any of the others. It involves calls from fraudsters posing as agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These criminals falsely accuse victims of owing back taxes and penalties to scam them. Sometimes they have posed as Sheriff Melton to pressure their victim to pay. Do not fall for it; the IRS does not call regarding these issues.
#2 ROBOCALLS OR UNWANTED TELEPHONE CALLS. These are computerized calls that have made it easier for scammers to contact and deceive consumers. This technology has rendered the Do-Not-Call registry ineffective in many ways. The more you talk to these callers, the more likely you are to become a victim. They want to build a telephone relationship to gain your trust. If you do not know them, hang up.
#3 SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS. Sweepstakes such as the Jamaican lottery scam continue to be a problem. If you were to win, they will not make you pay money before you receive your prize. If you never purchased a lottery ticket, you did not win the lottery.
#4 ARE YOU THERE? CAN YOU HEAR ME? A new scam involves consumers receiving calls in which the caller would simply ask “Are you there?” or “Can you hear me?” to prompt the recipient to say “yes.” These calls are designed to identify consumers that are likely to answer the phone, allowing scammers to build a database for connecting with potential victims. In addition, your response could be recorded and used to gain access to your financial account.
#5 GRANDPARENT SCAM. In these scams, fraudsters pretend to be a family member, often a grandchild, or a close family friend. They claim to be in urgent need of money to cover an emergency medical care, or a legal problem. The scammer will quickly give the phone to another person to reduce the likelihood that you might determine they are not who they say they are. If you ask to speak with your family member, they will tell you that person has been detained or otherwise is not able to talk. If you believe this, check with immediate family members of the caller before you commit any money. Remember, if the need for money is valid, they should have a normal payment method with a destination within the United States.
#6 COMPUTER SCAMS. Fraudsters typically claim to represent a well-known technology company and attempt to convince victims to provide access to their computers. Scammers often demand victims pay for bogus tech support services through a wire transfer. Find a local vendor to help you maintain your computer security and systems, it will be money well spent.
#7 ROMANCE SCAMS. These calls are from scammers who typically create a fake online dating profile to attract victims. Once a scammer has gained the victim’s trust, which could take weeks, months or even years, he/she will request money to pay for an emergency, unexpected bill, legal expense, or a visit – a trip that will never occur. Remember, the more time you spend talking with these scam artists, the more likely you are to become their victim. They are preying on your loneliness and their need to communicate.
#8 ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE. These calls focused on the illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets. This may include an appointed guardian or other court-appointed fiduciaries. If you are receiving these type calls, please find a trustworthy family member or close friend that can assist you with your finances. Do not depend on an unknown stranger to give you sound advice regarding your property and finances.
#9 IDENTITY THEFT. This scam consists of illegal efforts to obtain a person’s identifiable information. Once they get your identification, they could gain access to your accounts and apply for credit cards in your name. Never share your private information with anyone over the phone if you did not initiate the call or request.
#10 GOVERNMENT GRANT SCAMS. In these scams, thieves call victims and pretend to be from a fictitious “Government Grants Department.” The con artist normally tells the victims they must pay a fee before receiving the grant. If you have not applied for a grant, why would you think you are to receive anything? Hang up the phone.
SEXTORTION SCAM. This is not included in the Top 10 but is becoming more prevalent. In this scam, a hacker claims to have used your webcam to record a personal video of you. The communication threatens to release the video to all your contacts unless you pay a Bitcoin/cash ransom. A scam very similar is being conducted on Facebook and once you accept a friend request, they will ask you to perform certain acts with them. Once you do, they claim to have recorded your behavior and then they will extort money from you to keep the recording from being released.
Share this information with your family and friends. Anyone can be a scam victim.