DON’T FALL FOR THESE ONLINE SCAMS
This blog post isn’t fun to write, but it’s very important.
The March AARP Bulletin offers deep details about several frauds that are aimed at scamming seniors by stealing funds and identities. And although a lot of us feel like we’re adept at spotting the signs, the magnitude of danger out there is staggering. There’s a wealth of detail at the Web site https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/, and some of it might surprise you even if you’ve avoided being tricked and have taken steps to protect your information online. Please take a look at the link when you can.
In the meantime, here are some notable examples.
“YOUR COMPUTER HAS A VIRUS”
This one usually starts when you get a pop-up message saying your computer has a virus and telling you to click on a link or call a number. Doing so can give crooks access to your personal information or lure you into buying malware or unnecessary software. It’s even more dangerous thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications that enable foreign scammers to sound American.
How do you protect yourself?
Don’t ever click on one of these links. Tech companies would never contact you this way.
“YOUR CARD IS DECLINED”
You’re making an online purchase and get a message that your credit card was declined. So you use another one, and are told that’s been declined too. But the charges go through to your card because the Web site you were on is a facsimile of a legitimate site.
How do you protect yourself?
Take a close look at the URL of the site you’re on (or think you’re on). Often there’s just one digit that’s different, which is why it looks legitimate. If you’re already entered your data, contact your credit card company immediately. Also – use a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases if you can.
“GRANDMOM I’M IN JAIL AND NEED BAIL MONEY”
This one is especially upsetting because it’s so personal. You get a call from a grandson telling you he’s been picked up for a DUI and needs bail money and doesn’t want you to tell his parents. It’s obviously your grandson because you know his voice. But you’re skeptical so he puts a cop on the line who verifies what he’s just told you. You wire the money, but find out later it was a scam. Why does this work? Because AI makes it easy for someone to sound like someone you know, and people often put so many details of their lives online that it’s easy to piece them together into a persona.
How do you protect yourself?
Get a return phone number and contact your grandson yourself – or someone in his orbit. This kind of call probably isn’t legit, so be careful. And don’t wire any money unless you’ve verified what you’ve heard is true.
“HI GEORGE CLOONEY HERE – WITH A WINDFALL OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU”
Another wrinkle on the scam above is a message from a celebrity urging you to buy her diet pills or his auto insurance plan or stake in his investment fun. The likelihood of any celebrity actually doing this is rare but it’s easy to fall for.
How do you protect yourself?
Chances are you aren’t the only target of this . . . so before sharing any information look up the celebrity and the proposed produce online with “scam” as a search term.
“I CAN MAKE A LOT OF MONEY FOR YOU WITH CRYPTO”
Crypto-scammers will use info from dating and messaging apps to get to know you and will build a relationship with you based on their “ability” to help you make big bucks with crypto currency. All you have to do is put up lots of cash and leave the rest to them. This scheme is particularly dangerous because crypto currency is gaining a veneer of authenticity even though it’s very, very fraught for fraudsters.
How do you protect yourself?
Either stay away from crypto under any circumstance, or, if you want to explore it, contact a qualified financial advisor for guidance.
“READY TO GO BACK TO WORK? HERE’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY”
You’re online and see a job opportunity that looks pretty cool – easy hours, great pay, and a preference for “seasoned professionals.” You spend time on the Web site and become interested enough to fill out an application that has personal info (even your Social Security number). And then you find out the job and the company aren’t real but you’re in financial peril. This can be especially easy for scammers who use the names of real HR directors and other company officials to make the pitch sound legit.
How do you protect yourself?
Don’t fill out any application until you’ve researched the company or organization online . . . and if you’re still not sure, connect with the HR department to find out if this is real. These ads can even show up on LinkedIn, so be extra careful.
NOTE: These scams are just a few that are spotlighted in this issue of the AARP Bulletin. There’s a lot more info at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/. And if you haven’t joined the AARP you should consider doing so for loads of helpful information, discounts on products and services and insights about how to live longer and better.
ALSO NOTE: If you fall victim to these scams – or just want to be even more vigilant – check out this link from the Delaware Attorney General’s office https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/idtheft/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20not%20sure,Theft%20questions%20you%20may%20have.