How seniors can protect themselves during a pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, this is an ideal time for scammers to prey on fear, especially those who are vulnerable. According to the Better Business Bureau, seniors have been receiving text messages from scammers posing as government officials asking them to take mandatory online COVID-19 test in order to receive the recently approved stimulus check. Seniors have also reported receiving emails stating they qualify for payment and to click a link to claim the money.
Don’t respond to a text, email or phone call from a sender that is unfamiliar, even if it looks official or from a respected agency.
With the current coronavirus pandemic, scammers will constantly change their tactics to catch people off guard. Here are some tips for seniors to protect against scams:
Don’t respond to a text, email or phone call from a sender that is unfamiliar, even if it looks official or from a respected agency.
With the current coronavirus pandemic, scammers will constantly change their tactics to catch people off guard. Here are some tips for seniors to protect against scams:
Don’t be afraid to contact someone
Reach out to a family member, neighbor, a company or organization you trust for advice. Research shows that individuals who are living alone, widowed or those feeling isolated from others are more likely to engage with and lose money to scammers. If a scammer tries to keep you on the phone or to rush you to a decision, hang up and ask someone for advice.
Reach out to a family member, neighbor, a company or organization you trust for advice. Research shows that individuals who are living alone, widowed or those feeling isolated from others are more likely to engage with and lose money to scammers. If a scammer tries to keep you on the phone or to rush you to a decision, hang up and ask someone for advice.
Avoid “miracle” product claims
Companies targeting older consumers with products and services claiming to protect from diseases like COVID-19 are shams without a proven cure. Don’t just believe testimonials on a company’s website; instead, research the company and product through trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Companies targeting older consumers with products and services claiming to protect from diseases like COVID-19 are shams without a proven cure. Don’t just believe testimonials on a company’s website; instead, research the company and product through trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Be wary of offers sounding too good to be true
Scammers look for individuals looking to “catch up” or “get ahead” financially, and if your retirement was affected by the market’s ups and downs - don’t panic. Periods of high emotion are rarely the right time to re-evaluate your financial future. Instead, take a deep breath and contact a trustworthy broker or financial advisor.
Scammers look for individuals looking to “catch up” or “get ahead” financially, and if your retirement was affected by the market’s ups and downs - don’t panic. Periods of high emotion are rarely the right time to re-evaluate your financial future. Instead, take a deep breath and contact a trustworthy broker or financial advisor.
Be smart and aware
Knowing about the scams significantly reduces the likelihood of financial loss. When someone contacts you about an “amazing opportunity,” it’s easier to separate fact from fiction.
Knowing about the scams significantly reduces the likelihood of financial loss. When someone contacts you about an “amazing opportunity,” it’s easier to separate fact from fiction.
