Scams Aimed at
People Over 60
People Over 60
When someone calls and poses as your grandchild, uses their names, sometimes their voices, in a frantic tone and paints a dire scenario needing you to send cash or wire money right away.
What is Grandparent Scam?
The act of stealing someone's personal information, Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers, to commit fraud.
What is Identity theft?
This occurs when someone uses your credit card information without permission to make unauthorized purchases or transactions.
What is credit card fraud?
This is scam occurs when fraudsters trick individuals into sending money via wire transfer, often by impersonating someone the victim trusts.
What is a wire transfer scam?
Phrases like "Act now!" or "There's no time to wait!" are common warning signs of this scam tactic.
What is a sense of urgency?
These government benefit account numbers are valuable targets for identity thieves and scammers.
What is Social Security or Medicare numbers?
The use of deceptive emails sent asking you to verify account details or click on verification links.
What is Phishing?
A type of identity theft where a cybercriminal gains access to an individual's online accounts to steal funds or sensitive information.
What is account takeover fraud?
A person who has developed an online relationship with you requests money or gift cards to help with a sudden crisis.
What is a romance scam?
This free security measure makes it much harder for identity thieves to open loans or credit cards using your information.
What is a credit freeze?
A computer warning says your device is infected and tells you to click a link immediately, creating a false sense of urgency to steal your personal information.
What is a Fake Virus Alert Scam?
Unexplained charges, unfamiliar accounts or loans, bills for accounts you never opened, and unexpected credit denials are all examples of these.
What are signs that your identity may have been stolen?
Fraudsters trick victims into believing they have won a large prize, such as a cash windfall or a luxury car, then demand upfront payments for "fees" or "taxes" to claim the prize, or personal information.
What is sweepstakes fraud?
Receiving a check you were not expecting from someone you don't know is a common warning sign of this.
What is a fake check scam?
Scammers often try to obtain these sensitive numbers through calls, texts, emails, and fake websites.
What are Social Security, bank account, debit card, and credit card numbers?
Messages claiming you've won a prize, found a great investment opportunity, or need to act immediately to protect your account are common examples of this type of scam.
What is Phishing Scams?
One of the most powerful tools you can use to protect your identity.
What is Freeze your credit
Devices that are attached to gas station and other card readers that can steal your card information.
What are skimmers? Always use tap to pay.
Fraudsters often pressure victims to act immediately and pay using these cards, which are difficult to trace and recover once the code is shared.
What is gift cards?
If something feels suspicious or too urgent, do this before sending money or sharing personal information.
What is talking to someone you trust for a second opinion?
Criminals target surviving relatives by claiming a recently deceased loved one left behind an unpaid bill or debt that must be paid immediately.
What is Deceased Debt Scam?
File a report with the FTC, notify your bank and credit card companies, place fraud alerts and credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus, and consider filing a police report.
What should you do if your identity is stolen?
Involves deceiving individuals into sending money or handing over control of their assets based on false information, fictitious opportunities, or misrepresented investments.
What is Investment fraud?
Scammers may "overpay" for a purchase or job opportunity and ask you to refund the difference before the original check bounces.
What is an overpayment scam?
Reporting suspicious transactions promptly to these financial institutions can help prevent further fraud.
What are your bank and credit card company?