Are Your Parents Susceptible to Scams?

Sad, but true, scammers target senior citizens. With the digital age, these scams can be in emails made to look legitimate. But more often than not with the older generation, scammers resort to the older technology of the telephone.

The most common and successful scam is the “Grandparent Scam” because it tugs at the heart. A caller pretends to be the person’s grandchild. They deviously get the grandparent to offer up the child’s name: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” Once they have established a grandchild’s name, they will tell a sad story about them needing money and “please don’t tell Mom & Dad”. Without thinking the Grandmother does just that!

A good rule for all phone solicitations is – if they called you – do not give money or credit card information! If you think it is a legitimate organization, get their phone number; check it out on the web before you call them back.

If you get an email requesting money, credit card information etc, NEVER give that in an email! If it’s a friend – call that friend on the phone and verify the need!

Be careful of emails that appear to be from your bank. They will NEVER ask for personal information in an email. Also the IRS will NEVER email you at all!

Just as when we were kids, our parents talked to us about dangerous situations, it’s not a bad idea to now talk to your parents about these scams! Check out the National Council on Aging website .