By Abigail Garvin, Director of Marketing & PR at BBB of the Upstate
From charity scams to grandparent scams, there are a variety of ways that seniors get caught in the sticky traps placed by scam artists – the majority of which tug at their finances and their heartstrings.
The Better Business Bureau of the Upstate encourages seniors, and those caring for them, to keep an eye out for the following scams:
Phishing
Phony emails, text messages, or computer pop-ups appear to be from your bank or well-known business or agency. But clicking on a link or downloading a file places malware (malicious software) on your computer to steal information. Phishing also comes in the form of phone calls, pressuring seniors to act immediately, often referring to their Medicare or Social Security.
Charity Scams
Fake or questionable charities use vague, emotional appeals and names that sound like well-known charities. Charity scams often pop up after tragedies or disasters. To learn more about a charity, you can search them on BBB’s charity website give.org.
Spoofing
Criminals can manipulate Caller ID to display a name or number that’s not where they’re calling from. They can make it look like a company you do business with or a friend or family member.
Grandparent Scams
A caller poses as a grandkid, claiming to be in distress in another country. They claim to be in jail and need immediate payment to be released.
Sweepstakes and Lotteries
In phone calls, letters, or text messages, scammers claim you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery, but you must pay something first, usually by digital transfer. The scammer may offer to help pay the fee by sending a check that turns out to be fake.
Home Repair Scams
Door-to-door repair services use scare and high pressure tactics, charging high prices for shoddy work or work that’s not done.
Mystery Shopper Fake Checks
Letters claim to offer work as a mystery shopper, including a check to deposit, however, some of the money must be sent back digitally to test the transfer service. But the check is counterfeit, and the victim loses their own money.
Investment/Cryptocurrency Scams
Someone you meet, either online or in-person, encourages you to invest in Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency that guarantees big returns. However, cryptocurrency is typically irreversible and has no legal protections. Remember: only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency.
If you’re ever presented with an offer that seems suspicious, BBB suggests you follow the seven Golden Rules of Scams:
- Say NO to high pressure.
- Get everything in writing – read and understand it before signing.
- Talk it over with a trusted family member or advisor.
- Don’t give personal or financial information to callers or in response to emails you aren’t expecting.
- Never wire, transfer, or send money by prepaid debit card or cryptocurrency to someone you don’t know.
- Beware of callers claiming to be grandchildren in distress or emails claiming to be from friends stranded abroad.
- Beware of fake checks sent as a part of a job or to pay fees for a prize. You should never have to pay anything upfront for a prize.
Should you become a victim or a target of a scam, call the BBB Elder Fraud hotline at 864-242-5052. You can also email questions or concerns to info@upstatesc.bbb.org
