BBB Advises to Beware the Chill of Fall and Winter: Scams Targeting Seniors
By Chris Hadley, President & CEO, BBB Serving Central SC and Charleston
As the leaves change color and a brisk chill fills the air, fall and winter bring a sense of coziness and festivity. Unfortunately, they also mark a time when scammers become particularly active, preying on vulnerable individuals, especially seniors. The colder months offer scammers a golden opportunity to capitalize on the holiday spirit, isolation, and the desire for companionship.
The Season of Giving… and Taking
The holiday season is a time of generosity, and this sentiment is what scammers often exploit. Seniors are frequently targeted with heart-wrenching stories, such as a plea for funds to help a family member in need or support for a charity. Fraudsters use these narratives to manipulate seniors’ emotions, prompting them to send money or disclose personal information. To avoid falling victim, seniors and their families should verify the legitimacy of such requests through independent channels before taking any action.
Romance Scams in the Cold
Loneliness can be especially pronounced during the fall and winter months, making seniors more susceptible to romance scams. Scammers create fake online profiles, engage in heartfelt conversations, and build a seemingly genuine connection with their victims. As trust grows, they eventually ask for money under the pretense of an emergency or the need to meet in person. Educating seniors about the signs of romance scams and encouraging open communication can help safeguard them from emotional and financial devastation.
Home Improvement and Weather-Related Scams
Harsh weather conditions often lead to seniors seeking home improvement services or urgent repairs. Scammers exploit this by posing as contractors or repairmen and convincing seniors to pay upfront for services they never deliver. To avoid falling prey to such scams, seniors should always obtain multiple quotes, research the service provider, and never make upfront payments without a signed contract.
Conclusion
The fall and winter months should be a time of joy and togetherness for everyone, especially seniors. However, scammers often take advantage of this time to target vulnerable individuals with sophisticated tactics that play on emotions and circumstances. Education is key to preventing such scams. Seniors and their families should remain vigilant, stay informed about the latest scams, and encourage open communication. For more information on scams, reviews on local businesses, or a list of reputable businesses in our area contact BBB at (843) 766-9616 or (803) 254-2525.
