Scam avoidance program now available to older adults
Phishing emails and text messages appear to be from a legitimate source. However, they are often scams requesting sensitive personal information such as asking for Social Security numbers or banking information.
The Gilcrest Center, Wayne County commissioners and Job & Family Services, through an Ohio Department of Aging grant, have partnered to provide the opportunity for Wayne County residents age 60 and older who fall below the 300% poverty line to have complimentary access to a new scam education and awareness service.
“Mentoring older adults about online scams is crucial in today’s digital age to protect them from falling victim to malicious schemes,” Wayne County Job & Family Services Director Richard Owens said. “The scammers are very sophisticated and savvy. Anyone concerned about the online safety of an aging loved one should encourage them to take advantage of this free opportunity.”
Older adults are vulnerable to financial scams and fraud, especially as technology advances and online transactions become more prevalent. This nefarious online activity is why older adults and their families must be informed and educated about the dangers of financial scams and how to navigate online bill payments safely.
Scammers often target older adults due to various factors that make them more vulnerable. As people age, cognitive abilities may decline, making it easier for scammers to manipulate or deceive them. Additionally, older adults may be more trusting, especially when the scammer appears friendly or authoritative.
Scammers often use tactics to influence older adults such as fear or urgency to pressure them into making hasty decisions. According to American Association of Retired Persons, popular scams targeting older adults in 2023 include COVID-19 fraud, bills for diabetes supplies, flimsy medical equipment sales, bogus genetic testing, hospice fraud, Medicaid unwinding, next-generation Medicare cards and telemedicine sessions.
Older adults may be less familiar with technology and online platforms, making them more susceptible to online scams. They may not fully understand the risks of sharing personal information online or struggle to identify phishing emails or fraudulent websites.
“Scams take many forms and sound compelling,” Owens said. “Many times the scammer will detail a need for urgency, which is a red flag that should be investigated thoroughly before any action is taken. Call a trusted or publicly available phone number for the organization that sent you an unexpected email to verify its legitimacy. Never rely on links or phone numbers embedded in an unexpected email.”
Scams targeting older adults are unfortunately prevalent in today’s digital age. It’s essential to remain vigilant to identify and avoid these deceptive schemes.
Practical tips everyone should follow to avoid scamming or phishing attempts include the following:
—Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls or messages. Scammers often use these methods to trick individuals into sharing personal information or making payments. Always verify the sender’s identity before taking action.
—Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or attachments. Phishing emails often contain malicious links or attachments that compromise personal information. Exercise caution and refrain from clicking on any suspicious links.
—Verify the legitimacy of organizations or businesses. Ensure the recipient is a reputable entity before providing sensitive information or making payments.
—Protect personal information. Be wary of sharing sensitive details such as your Social Security number, bank account information or passwords with unknown sources. Legitimate organizations will never ask for such information via unsolicited messages.
—Stay informed about common scams. Learn about the latest scams targeting older adults such as fake lottery winnings, grandparent scams or tech-support scams. Share that information with older family members and friends that may be targeted.
For more information call 330-658-7035 or 330-601-0363. These services are free to Wayne County residents age 60 and older.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.