Phone scams are on the rise, costing Americans over $20 billion in 2020.(1) In the US, 27% of aging adults live alone,(2) and they’re the most likely to be targeted for scams.(3) Unfortunately, many people don’t discover scams until it’s too late. If you find yourself on the other line with a fraudster, will you hang up or be swindled out of your hard-earned savings? Learn some tips to protect yourself from phone scammers.
What are the Three Top Phone Scams
To protect yourself against future phone scams, it’s important to understand them. Here are three of the most effective approaches used against aging adults.
The last organization we want to get a call from is a government agency. A government impersonator might even give you their “employee ID number” to sound official. They might even have information about you, like your name or home address.
Why this works
If we think a government official is calling, it’s natural to think we might have done something wrong. Did I forget to send or sign a required form? Scammers often say they work for the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare. They’ll give you a compelling reason why you need to send money or give them personal information immediately.
2. Grandparent scam
The victim gets a call from someone posing as his or her grandchild. This person explains, in a frantic-sounding voice that he or she is in trouble and needs money (e.g., there’s been an accident, arrest, or a robbery). To add to the urgency, the caller might claim to be hospitalized or stuck in a foreign country. They may even throw in a few family particulars, gleaned from the actual grandchild’s social media activity to make the impersonation even more convincing.
Why this works
The impostor offers just enough detail about where and how the emergency happened to make it seem plausible and perhaps turns the phone over to another scammer who pretends to be a doctor, police officer, or lawyer to back up the story. The scammer impersonating a “grandchild” implores the target to wire money immediately, adding an anxious plea: “Don’t tell Mom and Dad!”
3. Robocall phone scam
These computer-generated calls are first trying to verify that you are a real person. This may entail just recording your “Yes” answer to “Can you hear me?” for further use, possibly to authorize bogus charges. They may leave a voicemail about an Amazon purchase made on your account, asking to call back to clear up a problem. If you answer the phone and there is a long pause, that could be because the call is being switched to a call center of trained phone scammers—that is a good time to hang up.
Why this works
If you get a voicemail about a problem with your Amazon purchase, we might be relieved someone found the problem. If you call back, a scammer will seem willing and able to help solve the problem. While they may seem friendly and helpful, they’ll be trying to gather personal information to swindle their victims’ money.
Tips to Help Protect You from Phone Scams
Train yourself to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important and relevant to you, such as a call back from someone that you telephoned, the caller will leave a message. If you do pick up the phone, use suggestions from this list:
Protect Yourself
Don’t answer calls from unknown callers. If it’s a legitimate caller, they’ll leave a message. Explore settings on your mobile phones and try turning on the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature.
Also reference our prior blog post on “Tips for Preventing Fraud” and BFSG’s client alert “Protect Yourself, Protect Your Data”.
Prepared by Hartford Funds, “The Data Doesn’t’ Lie – Raise Your Phone Scam Awareness”, March 5, 2021. Author: Laurie Orlov is a tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, and founder of Aging in Place Technology Watch. Edited by BFSG, LLC.
Disclosure: BFSG does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to BFSG’s web site or blog or incorporated herein and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Please see important disclosure information here.
Cyber criminals exploit our increasing reliance on technology. Methods used to compromise a victim’s identity or login credentials – such as malware, phishing, and social engineering – are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. Constant vigilance is key. This checklist summarizes common cyber fraud tactics, along with tips and best practices. Many suggestions may be things you’re doing now, while others may be new. We also cover actions to take if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised. If you have questions, we are here to help.
How We Can Work Together to Protect Your Information and Assets
How Your Custodian Protects Your Account
Our custodians, Schwab and Fidelity, takes your security seriously and leverages protocols and policies to help protect your financial assets. Below are actions you can take to reinforce their efforts and resources to assist you in keeping your account safe:
Follow General Best Practices
Keep your Technology Up to Date
Be Cautious with Public Networks
Be Strategic with your Login Credentials and Passwords
Be Sure you’re on a Secure Website
Beware of Phishing
Learn More
Visit these sites for more information and best practices:
BFSG’s Protect Yourself, Protect Your Data: Ten things to do now to protect yourself.
StaySafeOnline.org: Review the STOP. THINK. CONNECT™ cybersecurity educational campaign.
OnGuardOnline.gov: Focused on online security for kids, it includes a blog on current cyber trends.
FDIC Consumer Assistance & Information, https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/assistance/index.html.
FBI Scams and Safety provides additional tips, https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.
What to do if you Suspect a Breach
Disclosure: BFSG does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to BFSG’s web site or blog or incorporated herein and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Please see important disclosure information here.