Q. I’ve been reading your newsletter for a while now and I’m always very impressed with all of your articles, including the many informative articles about the latest scams that seem to keep being targeted at the older population, and how to spot these scams so we don’t become another victim. I forward your articles […]
Two Scams That Aren’t Widely Known
Dear Kiwi and Mango, A friend of mine recently experienced a gift card draining scam where there was nothing left on a gift card she purchased at the store. Another was a victim of check washing, where the scammer actually washed the writing off a check she put in her mailbox. I have never heard […]
Consumer Protection Week: Record Losses of $10 Billion Due to Scams Were Reported to the FTC Last Year!
Q. You have always been so helpful in educating your readers about senior scams. Unfortunately, I recently read somewhere that there are some new scams on the horizon, including those involving hacking, identity theft, and cryptocurrency fraud. Can you explain more about these and other top scams, so I am aware and know what to […]
Protecting Veterans from Being Scammed
Dear Angel, I heard that Veterans are being targeted with certain scams. My mother is a Veteran, and I want to protect her from them. Can you provide more information on the most prevalent scams targeting Veterans, so I can make her aware and protect her as best as I can? Thanks for your help! […]
Scammers Are More Sophisticated than Ever — Be Vigilant about the New AI Voice Scam
Q. I heard about a new type of “emergency scam,” where scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and scam loved ones into sending money. How do these scams work, and what can I do to stop something like this from happening to me or my elderly parents? Thanks for your help! A. “Emergency […]
How to Get Alerts When Your Personal Information Appears Online
Dear Hayek, Recently, I’ve read several news stories about an uptick in identity theft and other scams where scammers can get your personal information online and use it against you in trying to perpetrate a scam. Is there any tool that can help protect my privacy and personal info online? I’m also looking for a […]
Medical Identity Theft — Someone Could Steal Your Medical Records, and You Will Be Billed for Their Care!
Q. I read your recent article about a Navy veteran in Northern Virginia who was defrauded out of several million dollars, and the banks did nothing to stop it. Thanks for sharing that and for making us aware that this type of fraud is happening. It made me think of something I heard about that […]
Virginia Veteran Scammed Out of Millions of Dollars, and the Banks Did Nothing to Stop It
Q. I heard about a veteran who was scammed out of millions of dollars in Virginia before he passed away. The banks allowed dozens of huge wire transfers to go through to banks in Thailand without question. The man was very careful with his money and would’ve never allowed it had he been in his […]
Deed Fraud May Be on the Rise – Learn How to Spot if You’re a Victim of House Theft
Q. I have owned my home for 20 years and am well on my way to paying off my mortgage. I have enough money to make my monthly payments, buy groceries, pay utility bills, and save a little for retirement. The same was true for my neighbor, Sally, until her financial life was in ruins. […]
It’s International Fraud Awareness Week— Things to Know!
Dear Oakley, Senior fraud seems to be on the rise. I have had several friends who have been affected by it, unfortunately. I understand that it is International Fraud Awareness Week. What are some common types of fraud I should know about so I don’t fall victim? Thanks for your help! Farah Aud — It’s […]
Deed Scams and Title Scams – Protect Your Senior Loved Ones
Q. My brother, Alexander, recently transferred his residence to a Living Trust Plus®. Shortly after, he received a “Deed Processing Notice” in the mail that looks a lot like an official government bill. It indicated that he and his wife had to pay $83 for a copy of their deed and a “Property Profile.” The […]
How Can Seniors Protect Themselves from Becoming Victims of Fraud
Dear Hayek, My mother lives alone and is very trusting. She typically picks up the phone when it rings and has conversations with whoever is calling because she is lonely and loves to chat. I worry that she could easily fall prey to a scam. What is some advice I can provide to her to […]
Scam Alert: There Has Been an Uptick in Pension Poaching Scams
William Webster, 98, is a World War II Navy veteran and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He and his wife, Lynda, were targeted in a scam recently, according to an FBI.gov report. When the couple refused to pay the $50,000 requested by an unknown caller, the scammers threatened violence. He called his […]
Steer Clear of these Coronavirus Scams
Dear Angel, My mom is home alone during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She gets lots of calls that seem suspect. For instance, someone called her trying to sell her face masks and someone else called asking for donations, claiming they were from the CDC. What are some of the most common COVID-19 scams out there […]
Been the victim of a Social Security Scam? There’s a New Online Form for That!
Dear Magic, My mother was the victim of a Social Security scam. I told her she should report it, but whenever she tries, she is on hold for what seems like forever. Is there another way? Thanks, Ree Portit — Dear Ree, Social Security scams are the #1 type of fraud reported to the Federal […]
Telehealth Scams are on the Rise: How Not to Fall Prey
This past winter, John Ernest got a call that showed up on his caller ID as being from “Medicare,” asking if his father, Dean, who lived in a nursing home at the time, needed a free orthotic brace for pain. John knew that Medicare would not be calling him and that the call was fishy, […]
How to Avoid Being a Victim of a Social Security Scam
Dear Ribbit, I heard that there has been an upsurge in Social Security scams lately. What are they about and how can I avoid them? Thanks! Lee Vameealone — Dear Lee, You are correct. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning about an upsurge in scams targeting Social Security recipients. In a common scam, someone calls […]
Scams Targeting Veterans and What to Do
Dear Magic, I have read that scams targeting veterans are pretty prevalent, and that is so unfortunate. Can you tell me what types of scams they are, so I can warn my dad? Thanks for your help! Nomar Scamms — Dear Nomar, Unfortunately, as you mentioned, some of the men and women who bravely served […]
Internet Scams Targeting the Elderly
Q. My Aunt Julie was recently the victim of tax-related fraud. She explained what happened and I knew right away that it was a scam targeting the elderly. Someone claiming to be from the IRS called her and told her that she owed back taxes and threatened that, unless funds were wired immediately, legal action […]
Scam Targeting Tax Refunds
Dear Bebe, I read something about a scam where computers belonging to tax preparers are being breached, people are getting fake refunds deposited into their accounts, and then being asked to return the money to scam artists. How can I prevent this from happening to me? Thanks! Fay Kreefund — Dear Fay, The IRS recently […]