It’s the kind of story I hear too often.
“I met a nice man online, and we have been emailing for a while. We made a plan to meet in person, but he got into a car accident. He said he hated to ask, but he hadn’t received that month’s pension check – could I loan him $1,000 so he could do the car repairs and visit next month instead? I was happy to send him the money! The next month the poor guy was struggling to pay his medical bills for a recent surgery because of a mix-up with his insurance. I lent him a little bit of money for that, too. I really like him!”
Unfortunately, the generous-hearted elderly woman who shared this story was the victim of financial fraud. The “nice man” was actually a scammer.
In my role as the executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center, one of the most disheartening trends I see both nationwide and right here in Ukiah is the plethora of financial scams targeting seniors.
Romance scams usually begin online and go something like this: The victim meets someone through an app and begins to genuinely care about them. Eventually, the perpetrator offers a compelling reason to ask for money. Time passes and the perpetrator asks for money again, all the while apologizing for why they can’t come to visit as promised. Costs start adding up. Before long, the victim has given the perpetrator thousands of dollars, putting his or her own finances in jeopardy. The saddest part is the shame victims feel. Seniors often wonder if it’s a sign that they are outliving their ability to be independent.
There are many other financial schemes targeted at older populations. Some include scammers impersonating government officials. Others claim the victim won a sweepstakes or lottery. With current technology, some scammers can effectively impersonate a grandchild pretending to be in serious trouble and in need of money right away. Many well-meaning grandparents have sent funds to a “grandchild” only to find out later that they were talking to a stranger and the whole thing was a scam.
What to do if you encounter a potential scam
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid falling victim to financial fraud, no matter what your age.
If you receive a call, text, or email asking for money or personal information, don’t panic or act quickly, no matter how urgent they claim the situation is. Verify that the request is legitimate. This could mean calling your grandchild or their parents, or contacting the official customer service number listed on the website of the company that’s claiming to contact you. Don’t send money, gift cards, or money orders to anyone you don’t know, or provide your Social Security number, passwords, or account numbers.
When it comes to online relationships, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Red flags include the person making excuses for meeting in person, asking for money early in the relationship, or telling stories that are inconsistent or too perfect. Look the person up online and check for concerning results, check on their social media presence, and do a reverse image search to make sure they are who they say they are. If you need assistance with this, ask a friend or family member for help, or contact a trusted community organization like the Ukiah Senior Center, which exists to meet the needs of all seniors in our community. If anything is suspicious, cut off your contact and report your concerns to the dating platform.
Remember that these are skilled scammers. Many smart people fall victim to them. You are not alone, and you are not stupid. Financial crimes often go unreported because the victims feel shame. If you think you have been scammed, contact local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission. Remember, Ukiah Senior Center is also here to help when needed. By speaking up you can get the support you need and help other people avoid the same fate.
Gain computer skills and tech support at any age
Technology changes fast, and many of us struggle to keep up with the latest devices and apps. Many of us have no idea how to avoid a financial scam by checking someone’s social media presence or doing a reverse image search. Attending a local computer class, like the classes Ukiah Senior Center offers, can help seniors gain new skills and receive assistance with technological problems.
The Ukiah Senior Center was recently awarded $20,000 from AT&T to improve our connectivity, computer lab, and direct services to seniors. Any senior in our community can attend our classes, receive help from an expert on technology issues they are experiencing, or use one of our computers.
Organizations like ours are here to help seniors avoid scams and navigate the internet safely. Taking a class is also an opportunity for social interaction, a fun chance to bond with other people who are learning alongside you.
Free tax preparation help is available
Tax preparation also becomes increasingly complicated with age. Volunteers will be offering free tax preparation two days a week at the Ukiah Senior Center February through April by appointment only. These volunteers have all been trained by the Internal Revenue Service and are available to meet with seniors by appointment.
When it comes to money and technology, it can be difficult to navigate in today’s world. But if we continue to stay informed, share with others about our problems, and seek help from experts when we need it, we can access the support and skills we need to avoid scams and enjoy life in this season. Ukiah Senior Center is here to help.
Members of Ukiah Senior Center receive a variety of discounts and opportunities for the activities that take place at Ukiah Senior Center. Become a member today to receive a copy of our informative monthly newsletter, The Scoop delivered to your home.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting Ukiah Senior Center, email Liz Dorsey at [email protected].
The annual “Affair to Remember” dinner dance will be held April 12. Call USC for information, 707-462-4343.
Liz Dorsey is the executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Avoiding scams targeted at seniors )
Also on site :
- ‘She lit up the classroom’: First British victims of Air India plane crash named after 241 killed
- What nuclear sites does Iran have and where are they?
- Increased ICE detentions and deportations create climate of fear and stress