Scammers are more convincing with the new technology
According to the Consumer Sentinel Report for 2022 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older Americans reported losing over $1.6 billion due to frauds and scams. Not all incidents are reported, so the dollar amount is likely higher. The FTC estimates that seniors could lose up to $48.4 Billion in scams by 2022.
What will happen when scammers and new technology are combined? They keep improving their methods to trick people out of money. According to AARP’s article “6 Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2024,” you should keep your eyes out for these tricks.
Check Cooking Scam
Fraudsters take a digital photo of a stolen check and use software to change it. Checks are stolen out of postal boxes, carriers, or mailboxes. What you can do to be safe. You can make it harder for scammers by dropping off your check at the nearest post office. It’s also important to constantly monitor your checking account and report to the bank anything that looks suspicious to you.
Voiceprint Scams
Scammers can now record your voice and use software to create an imitation of your voice saying whatever they want. They have used this method to access people’s accounts at insurance companies and financial institutions.
One example of this type of scam happened in October 2023 to an 82-year-old man named Jerry in Sugar Land, TX. A police Sargent from the San Antonino Police Department called him. The Sargent told Jerry that his son was in a car crash and had been arrested because he caused the accident. Jerry’s son called back and explained the situation. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a real police officer or Jerry’s own son who was on the phone. Jerry was cheated out of $17,000. What you can do to be safe. Even if the caller appears to be someone you know, there is a possibility that their phone has been stolen or its SIM card cloned. If you’ve answered the phone and it sounds like a loved one asking for money, hang up and either text your loved one or call them to see if the original call was valid.
Delayed Action Sweepstakes Scam
The newest sweepstakes scam is that someone contacts you by phone or in writing and ask for information like your Social Security number and banking information in order to verify who you are and set up the big prize payout. What you can do to be safe.
The trick is to disconnect from anyone who claims you’ve won.
The main rule is to never give out your personal information. You should never give up your personal information.
Virtual Celebrity Scam
Fans can interact with their favorite celebrities on social media. Sometimes the person behind an account is not actually affiliated with the celebrity. It’s just another way to scam people.
What you can do to stay safe.
If someone sends you a direct message claiming they are a famous person, don’t believe them. It’s just another way to scam people.
What you can do to stay safe.
If you get a direct message from someone saying they are a famous person, don’t believe them.
Multistage Grandparent Scam
