If you have senior parents or grandparents, you may feel responsible for their health and safety. Unfortunately, older adults do not only have to watch out for their physical health but also their financial health. Some fraudsters make older adults their priority targets.
According to the FBI, there are various scams to watch out for.
Tech Support Schemes
One of the most common schemes directed at older adults includes tech support schemes. Criminals pose as tech support agents and may use emails, texts, pop-up ads or other means to connect with a victim. The messages typically lead the victim to believe they need to contact tech support as soon as possible to clean their computer of viruses or fix a non-existent problem. When they call the scammer, the scammer gains access to the victim’s computer and may steal sensitive information. Others may ask for payment from the older adult.
Home Improvement Schemes
As adults age, they may no longer have the ability to handle home repairs. Many older adults hire contractors or other individuals to help with home improvement projects. A home repair scam involves criminals who pretend to have a repair business. They may show up at your loved one’s doorstep and offer a service in exchange for payment. They will ask for payment in advance and never deliver the service.
Government Scams
Government scammers tend to use fear to force older adults to pay them money. The criminals pretend to be government agents and threaten to arrest the victims unless they pay a fee. Out of fear, older adults may supply the money.
Inform your parents or grandparents about common scams to help protect them against fraudsters.
