Avoiding Scams That Target Seniors

Scammers work hard to sound official, friendly, or urgent. Most scams use the same handful of tricks, and once you know them, they are much easier to spot.

THE MOST COMMON SCAMS

• The grandchild scam: a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble who needs money right away. Hang up and call your family directly on the number you already have.
• The government impersonator: someone claims to be from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS and demands payment or personal information. Real agencies do not call to demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cash.
• The Medicare card scam: a caller says you need a new Medicare card and asks for your number. Medicare will not call you out of the blue for this.
• The computer virus scam: a pop-up or caller says your computer is infected and asks for payment or remote access. Do not call the number on the screen and never give a stranger access to your computer.
• The romance or sweepstakes scam: a new friend or a prize notice asks you to send money first. Real prizes never require payment.

RED FLAGS — WALK AWAY WHEN YOU SEE THESE

• Pressure to act right now
• A demand for secrecy — "don't tell your family"
• Payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash
• A request for your Social Security, Medicare, or bank account number from someone who contacted you

WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING FEELS WRONG

1. Hang up or close the door. You never owe a caller or visitor an explanation. 2. Call us at (860) 774-1243 — we are glad to help you check whether something is real, and we have heard these stories before. There is no shame in asking. 3. You can also call United Way 2-1-1 (just dial 211) for help finding the right agency, or Connecticut Legal Services at (800) 296-1467 if you have lost money or signed something.

NEVER DO THIS — A LIST WORTH PRINTING

• Never pay anyone with gift cards
• Never give your Medicare, Social Security, or bank number to someone who called you
• Never let a stranger take control of your computer
• Never pay to collect a prize
• Never rush because a stranger says you must