Scammers like to target seniors because they are so trusting. According to the Sequim Gazette in Washington, “residents have lost millions to fraud, some of it converted into gold or Bitcoin and handed to people posing as government agents.”
To help protect the older population, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Sequim Police Department, and Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office hosted a free seminar to educate seniors in the area about what to watch out for, so they don’t become victims.
They warned seniors to watch out for the following red flags:
- Pressure to act immediately.
- A caller you did not contact claiming to be your bank, the IRS, Medicare, Social Security, or law enforcement.
- Anyone who tells you to keep the arrangement secret from your family.
- A request to pay in Bitcoin, or to buy gift cards on someone else’s behalf.
- A request to move the conversation to WhatsApp or Signal.
- A request to install software that lets someone else control your computer.
If you do think you have been the victim of a scam or fraud, you should contact the local police department and the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Council of Seniors Wants to Give Retirees More Money
All of us at the Council of Seniors want to ensure all seniors get all the money they deserve – that means protecting them from scams and ensuring retirees receive their full Social Security benefits. We are working with members of Congress to introduce the “Social Security Restitution Act.” It would provide an estimated $970 payment to every retired worker receiving Social Security benefits, to help offset years of inadequate cost-of-living adjustments
Please take a moment and sign our petition today to show your support.