Fraud & Scams I
What is the name of a scheme designed to take your money or your home by making a false promise of saving you from foreclosure?
Foreclosure Relief Scam
What is it called when someone uses your personal information--such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number--without your permission?
Identity Theft
This type of ad appeals to logic through facts and statistics.
Statistics
This approach persuades people to do something by telling them that others are doing it too. "Don't be left out".
Bandwagon
You receive a letter from an unknown company with a message that you've won a cash prize. To claim your prize, you'll need to send them your bank account information so they can deposit the money into your account. The company then uses your bank account information to take money from you.
Mail fraud scam
What is an illegal act that occurs when people try to trick you out of your personal information and your money?
Fraud
An attempt to get you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or trust, like a sheriff; local state, or federal government employee; a family member; or charity organization.
Imposter Scam
Humor
This ad features famous people describing their personal experience with a product or explaining why you should use a product.
Testimonial
You get a call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff's office. They say they need your personal information to update their neighborhood records. You quickly recognize they're not actually who they claim to be.
Imposter Scam
What are letters that look real but contain fake promises? (A common warning sign is a letter asking you to send money or personal information now to receive something of value later).
Mail fraud scam
When a new friend says they like or love you but they really just want your money--and may not be who they say they are.
Romance Scam (Catfishing)
Ads like this use specific sounds or pictures to create a lasting impression.
Sense appeal
An ad like this uses the names or pictures of famous people, but not their direct quotations, to convince you that the product will help you imitate the famous person in the ad.
Transfer/Fantasy
Your grandmother has a neighbor who has gained her trust but has been secretly taking money from her bank account.
Elder financial exploitation
The unauthorized movement or disclosure of sensitive information to a party, usually outside the organization, that is not authorized to have or see the information. Someone who gets the data might use it for identity theft.
Data Breach
When someone tries to get you to give them personal information, such as through an email or text message, often by impersonating a business or government agency. This can be thought of as "fishing for confidential information".
Phishing
This kind of ad creates a sentimental tone while pointing back to "the good old days".
Nostalgia
Repetition
You have a friend you met through a social media app. You have not met in person, but you know it is true love. You have so much in common, and they look great in their pics. They ask you to do them a favor and send them $250 for a new outfit they can't wait for you to see them in.
Romance Scam
The illegal or improper use of an older adult's funds, property, or assets by family members, caregivers, friends, or strangers who gain their trust.
Elder Financial Exploitation
When a caller disguises the information shown on your caller ID to appear as though they are calling as a certain person or from a specific location.
Spoofing
1) Do I feel safe?
2) Do I belong?
3) Does it feel good?
Ads like this are written to evoke strong feelings about someone or something.
Emotion
Your caller ID shows that a local number associated with the high school in your town is calling you. You answer and the person calling says they're raising money for a local sports tournament. You soon realize the caller is not actually with the school.
Spoofing