BBB Scam Tracker is an online resource that provides consumers with information about current scams in the area and can be used to report scams. BBB’s Scam Tracker has received more than 1,000 reported scams nationwide since its launch in March. Nearly 100 of those were reported in Texas.
In March 2015, a consumer in Texas reported a Medicare/Medicaid scam by a person claiming to work for a government agency. According to the consumer, the scammer called from Libya, which raised a red flag.
In Austin, a work-from-home scam was reported by a 74-year-old victim’s daughter. The daughter claimed the fake company talked her mother into purchasing a $600 website, which has earned her nothing in return.
According to the 2014 Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, nearly 215,000 complaints of fraud and identity theft were made last year by those older than 60.
BBB encourages senior citizens to be aware of scams or fraud schemes that can affect them. It’s also important for families to keep the lines of communication open regarding finances and common scams targeting their elderly loved ones.
Some common scams that target senior citizens include:
Grandparent scam
Also called an “emergency scam.” Scammers will place a call to a senior posing as their grandchild or a relative in need of help or trapped in a foreign country. They will usually ask for cash to solve the problem and ask for payment through a money wiring service.
Some red flags to look out for include urgent callers pressuring quick action, and callers claiming to be in Canada or another international location.
Healthcare or insurance fraud
Scammers may pose as a Medicare or insurance representative to get seniors to give them their personal or financial information.
Foreign lottery scam
This scam will sometimes include a very real looking check and many times will ask you to pay a “tax” or “fee” on the winnings. Most will originate from Canada, Ireland, Spain, the Caribbean or Nigeria. They will come in numerous variations and are illegal in the U.S. If a person has truly won, there would be no need to pay.
Home repair scam
Many senior citizens may be physically incapable of making home repairs. Therefore, many scammers will use this as an opportunity to take advantage of them. Be wary of people who ask the owner to get the required permits, pressure for an immediate decision or demand cash only or full payment up-front. Ask a lot of questions.
To avoid falling for scams like these, BBB offer this advice to seniors and their families:
• Beware of high pressure sales tactics. If someone pressures you to make an on-the-spot decision without allowing you to research it first, walk away from the offer.
• Be wary of unsolicited correspondence. Do not give out personal information through email or over the phone unless you have confirmed the identity of the caller on the other line. Also, consider registering your phone number with the National Do-Not-Call registry at donotcall.gov.
• Use secure payment methods. Never send money by wire transfer or prepaid debit card to someone you don’t know. Use a credit card for additional protection. Also, be wary of requests for a large lump sum of money in advance of work or products.
• Safeguard your personal information. Avoid sharing your Social Security number, financial information, birth date or address with an unknown source.
• Report fraud. If you think you may have fallen victim to a fraud, contact your BBB online at bbb.org or over the phone at 512-445-2911. You can also file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s office or report it to your local FBI office.
For more information on the latest scams and news, visit bbb.org/central-texas, or your BBB’s independent blog, watchyourbuck.com.
Kayla Vise is a public relations specialist for the Better Business Bureau serving Central, coastal and southwest Texas and the Permian Basin. The Savvy Seniors column is coordinated by the city of Pflugerville. For information about the articles, contact Pamela Cosel at 512-990-6113.
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