Scams are vicious and can wreak havoc on your life when you or someone you love loses money. Along with hurting your wallet, it can also affect your feelings and health.

Scammers often use your emotions to get you to fall for a scam. Once you realize what has happened, the feelings of vulnerability and distress may remain and can be a blow to your pride, so you do not talk to anyone.

Hope and fear are common tactics scammers use to trick, manipulate and coerce people into handing over their money. Seniors are a frequent target of these scams, but➔ it could happen to anyone.

Remember, as technology continues to advance, it makes it much easier to be deceived with fake profiles, voices and documents! Never send or receive funds in any form to persons you do not REALLY know and do not provide any personal information via text or phone.  Especially if you did not initiate the call, email or text.

Fake profiles (Facebook, dating sites, FBI, IRS, Celebrity profiles, Facebook Market Place, Craig’s list and many more) Fake profiles and accounts exist on all social media platforms. If someone asks you to be secretive or dishonest, it is a red flag, think about what you are being asked to do.

Grandparent/Family member scam – you receive a call stating a grandchild or family member is in trouble. The caller may impersonate the family member or even law enforcement. They claim to need money right away for an emergency, like a DUI or medical issue.

Tech Support Scams – you receive a call, pop up on your computer and are convinced you are speaking to Micro Soft, Geek Squad or a valid company who claims they can assist. Never give remote access to your computer to anyone or provide your account information.  All of these scams attempt to scare you into immediate action in hopes you won’t have time to confirm the facts.

Don’t let the scammers’ tactics fool you. They are relentless and will do anything to get you to fall for their scheme. It is important to learn how to spot scams and stay safe. Go with your gut instinct and heed the red flags.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams:

• If you are unsure about a caller, hang up, do not respond to a text, email or click on a link without doing your own research first.
• Don’t let fear or hope spark you into giving money away before you talk with trusted sources (family member, your financial institution or law enforcement).
• If someone claims to be a family member, ask the person to answer a question only your real family member would know.
• Remember, wire transfers, gift cards, crypt o currency and other immediate forms of payments are often used in these types of scams. Never purchase gift cards and provide information via text, email or phone.

Remember, scams are not the only way your wellbeing can be impacted. There are many forms of financial elder abuse, often perpetrated by someone close to the victim.

But you’re not alone. There are resources to help answer your questions and keep you safe. You can find resources in your area using the Eldercare Locator on eldercare.gov.

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