Generational fraud is on the rise — and getting more sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself or others, it’s important to stay informed about the methods scammers use to swindle people out of their money.
In the webinar below we discuss how to protect yourself and your loved ones from generational fraud. Keep reading to further learn about different types of scams to look out for.
What Types of Scams to Look Out For
Scammers are always looking for new ways to make money or steal your information. However, there are a few common financial scams we see on an everyday basis.
Keep reading to learn how to better identify a scam and get tips on how to keep you – and your loved ones – from becoming a victim of a scam.
Romance Scams
Romance scams are one of the most common ways for fraudsters to target older adults, according to a recent analysis by the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Romance scammers make a fake social media or dating site profile to build trust with their unsuspecting (and perhaps lonely) victims. Then, they strike by requesting money for a made-up emergency or travel expense.
The Federal Trade Commission notes that these scammers typically ask their victims to wire money or send it via gift card because these types of transactions are difficult to trace or reverse.
Person-In-Need Scams
Per FinCEN, person-in-need scams are a widespread method for defrauding seniors.
For this scam, someone will call or send a message to the target, pose as his or her relative (usually a grandchild) and pretend to need money for a personal emergency or a sudden financial issue.
The scammer will often request payment via wire service and ask the senior not to tell anyone else about the fake emergency. This scam is especially effective because it plays on the victim’s natural desire to help a loved one facing an urgent crisis.
Prize or Lottery Scams
Many seniors are parted from their money via prize or lottery scams.
In these scams, targets are informed that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. They might even receive a fraudulent check in the mail.
The catch: in order to redeem the prize, the “winner” needs to send in some sort of fee or tax. By the time he or she realizes the prize is fake, the scammer has already grabbed the fees and vanished.
Related: How to Spot a Scam: 4 Warning Signs of Financial Fraud
Other Types of Scams
The NCOA lists a variety of other scams frequently aimed at older adults:
• Medicare and health insurance scams collect a person’s personal information and use it for fraudulent medical billing.
• Counterfeit prescription drug scams peddle fake or even dangerous products online.
• Telemarketing scams use an array of strategies to cheat seniors through misleading sales calls.
• Internet scams trick victims into downloading a virus or steal their personal information via email “phishing.” Some scams feature phony investment opportunities or even con the victim into borrowing against his or her home equity.
Tips for Preventing Scams
If you’re part of the senior demographic, it’s important to stay on your guard against these scams.
Here are a few tips on preventing scams:
- Sign up for the Do Not Call list
- Carefully research all unsolicited offers
- Reach out to trusted friends or relatives if you need assistance
- Avoid giving out personal information (like credit card, Medicare or Social Security numbers) over the phone unless it’s a call you initiated yourself
- Don’t be intimidated by scare tactics, like someone calling and demanding money
If you’re looking to protect the seniors in your life from scams, Consumer Reports suggests several ways to help:
- Calling or visiting regularly will allow you to keep tabs on their safety.
- You can also take steps to stop or limit unsolicited mail and phone calls.
- You may even be able to arrange protection or oversight for important financial accounts.
Get More Tips for Protecting Your Loved Ones From Generational Fraud
Financial scams represent a significant threat for seniors. However, by taking the proper precautions and cultivating awareness, you can shield yourself or your loved ones from those who seek to victimize them.
Watch this free webinar recording provided by Minster Bank for some expert advice from Sylvia Pla-Raith, lead staff member of the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Elder Abuse Commission and director of the Elder Justice unit, on these topics:
• Scams
• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Financial exploitation
• And more
>> Watch Webinar <<
This blog was originally published by Minster Bank in August 2020 and updated in July 2023. Includes copyrighted material of IMakeNews, Inc. and its suppliers.
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