Scams & Fraud to Watch Out For!

Unfortunately, one of the things that is very frustrating as I grow older, are the amount of scams and fraud I am introduced to on a regular basis. This can be internet scams, phone scams, email scams, credit card scams, hurricane scams, and any number of ways that people try to get my money. These are illegal and often target older individuals, assuming they may not realize it’s a scam. In this article, I will address some of the more common ones and what you can do about it so you don’t end up being a victim.

Let's start with phone scams related to the IRS? Have you ever received a call saying that the IRS is sending an agent to your home because of something to do with your tax filing? And, if you don't settle this issue immediately, you will either be arrested or incur a huge fine. It's scary and we will often react emotionally and want to get this taken care of right away and have it 'Go Away'. Below are some tips that may help you deal with that 'dreaded IRS phone call'

IRS Will Never:

• Demand that people use a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS will not ask for debit or credit card numbers over the phone.

• Demand immediate tax payment. Normal correspondence begins with a letter in the mail and taxpayers can appeal or question what they owe.

• Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement agencies to arrest people for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke a license or immigration status.

Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into believing the IRS is after them. These tactics are FRAUD!

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Disaster Scams

I live in Florida and every year we have a Hurricane Season. That is when the Fraud Alert for me needs to bet set to 'HIGH'. Long before the season actually begins, you may be approached by a roofer or home repair individual that encourages you to take action 'now', before the season begins, to be assured you are ready for any possible disaster. A couple things may happen; you pay a contractor to replace or repair your roof, and you never see them again. Or, they do a terrible job that actually causes more problems than you had to start with.

NOTE: Disaster fraud, which we'll define as a deliberate act to defraud individuals or the government after a catastrophe, can be divided into five primary categories: charitable solicitations, contractor and vendor fraud, price gouging, property insurance fraud, and forgery.

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Medicare and Social Security Scams

Medicare and Social Security Fraud and Scams are a huge problem for our older population. Be sure to do some homework and research, even if you have never been approached, because sooner or later you probably will be. Here is an official site with information on what to be aware of, and what to do if you are a victim

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How to Recognize a Phishing Scam?

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. Numerous times I have received emails saying the product I just purchased from AMAZON will be shipped very soon. It's usually technology related and if you have any questions, you only have a limited time to reach out to them. THIS IS FRAUD...don't call the number or click on any links in the email.

You can delete the email and BLOCK the sender (and unfortunately, you may hear from them again; they just use different phone and phone numbers). I will go online and search something like 'Is there an email scam going around pretending to be Amazon?' Almost every time, I find information about the Amazon email phishing scam.

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In Conclusion

Because of the high number of scams that target Seniors, I have included a site where you can see the TOP 10 Scams. Find more information here: Top 10 Scams That Target Seniors.

NOTE: Any time you visit a website, you may see pop up Ads encouraging you to buy. These usually will be related to what you are reading about or it may be things you have searched on your computer in the past. You can usually just 'x' out on the top right corner of the Ad. These can be legitimate Ads, but they also can be phishing types of things trying to get your personal information. Use caution as you proceed while using the internet. I shop online often, and find it a valuable way to do business, however, I am very careful that where I go on the internet is a legitimate site.