Are You or Your Family Members at Risk?

We are seeing a lot of news reports of scams targeting Seniors.  The following list of top scams is taken from Investment News magazine.  It has useful information for all of us!

10.  Identity Theft:  Thieves make unauthorized credit card purchases or bank withdrawals or apply for Social Security benefits.

9.  Lawsuit Scam:  A caller claims to work for a law enforcement agency and tells the victim that there is warrant out for his/her arrest unless a fine is paid.

8. Social Security:  Scammer contacts a victim by phone or email, claiming to represent the Social Security Administration and asking for personal information including SS number or birthdate.

7. Romance Scams:  An imposter establishes an online relationship via a dating site and then asks for money to cover visit or medical expenses. 

6. Grandparent Scams:  Caller pretends to be a grandchild and asks for money to get themselves out of an emergency.  

5.  Financial Abuse: Family members, caregivers, or investment advisors who use phone or the internet to steal from seniors.

4. Computer Tech Schemes:  Caller claims to be from computer company (i.e. Microsoft), claim the victim’s computer has been infected with a virus and asks to get remote access to the computer.

3. Sweepstakes Scams:  Criminals contact victims, tell them they have won a lottery and that they need to pay a fee before winnings can be collected.

2.  Robo Calls:  We are all inundated with calls that seem to originate from our own area, making victims more likely to answer and respond.

1.  IRS Impersonation:  Callers claim that the victim owes back taxes and penalties and threatens arrest unless payment is made immediately.