Dont Take the Bait: Tips to Avoid Scams - All About Seniors

By Jamie Roper, City of Charlestons Office on AgingMore scammers are targeting older adults, often because scammers assume they have savings, good credit, or are more trusting.The City of Charlestons Office on Aging wants to provide you with a few simple tips to protect yourself and your money.Dont Rush to ActScammers thrive on urgency.Never feel pressured to act right nowwhether its a phone call, email, or textthats a red flag.

Legitimate organizations dont rush or threaten you with immediate consequences.Take a moment and think it through.Never Share Personal InformationDont share your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords unless you initiated the contact and can verify authenticity.If someone asks for this information out of the blue, its almost certainly a scam.Be Skeptical of Unexpected ContactsCalls, emails, or messages from strangers claiming youve won a prize, owe money, or have a problem with an account should raise suspicion.

When in doubt, hang up or dont click links in messages.Instead, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.Watch Out for Payment Red FlagsScammers often demand payment in unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash.If a company requests that you pay using one of these methods, its a scam.Use Technology to Your AdvantageEnable call blocking and spam filters on your phone and email.

Keep your devices security software updated.Use strong, unique passwords with 12+ characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to help protect your online accounts.Place an Alert on Your CreditContact any one of the three credit reporting agenciesEquifax, Experian, or TransUnionand place an activity alert on your credit.This alerts potential creditors to take extra precautions to verify your identity before issuing credit or services in your name.Freeze Your CreditContact all three credit bureaus and place a freeze on your credit.

This prevents businesses from accessing your credit for new accounts or services and stops someone from opening any type of credit in your name.A freeze will not affect your existing credit or credit score.Know the Most Common ScamsFamiliarizing yourself with popular scams such as fake tech support calls, impostors pretending to be the IRS or Social Security, romance scams, and grandparent scams makes them easier to spot.The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to fool you.Report Suspicious ActivityIf you think youve been targeted or scammed, report it.

File a police report with your local law enforcement.In the U.S., you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.Reporting helps protect not only you, but others as well.Never Be Ashamed or EmbarrassedScammers are professionals who use manipulation and emotional tactics.

Being targeted does not mean you were careless or foolish.Staying informed and cautious is the best defense, and asking for help is a sign of strength.