There are a lot of frauds to be concerned about. Online feels like a digital minefield. However, it seems that some people are singled out more than others. Seniors.
A recent FBI study outlining the alarming amount of frauds targeting elders was released. We\'ll outline a few viral con tricks and how to foil them. To help the senior citizens in your life stay safe, please forward this article to them.
Continue reading to learn more about the most typical scams that seniors fall for and what you can do to avoid them.
The history is as follows.
Every day, there are numerous scams. However, the most recent data from the FBI\'s 2021 Elder Fraud Report shows a sharp spike in scams targeting seniors over the previous 12 months.
According to the FBI, the situation is most likely considerably worse than their assessment suggests. One factor for this is that only 20% of those over the age of 70 report fraud. In contrast, 44% of those in their 20s and 30s report experiencing fraud.
The FBI notes concerning trends that in 2021:
- More than 92,000 victims were over 60 years old.
- Losses came to $1.7 billion in all.
- When compared to 2020, the losses increased by 74%.
- Every fraud cost the average victim over 60 $1,800.
- Scams cost 3,100 victims more than $100,000.
What you must understand
Senior citizens are a major source of stolen money for con artists due to a number of variables. Here are a few of the most prevalent frauds that target elders.
Tech Assistance
The most prevalent scam that preys on senior citizens is this one. They typically alert the user to a computer issue through malicious email attachments or pop-up windows on websites.
They must call a given number or visit a website in order to fix it. Sadly, the phone number connects to a fake call center, and the link takes the user to a dangerous website that can steal their personal data or infect their computer with malware.
The objective is to persuade the victim to purchase pricey antivirus software. The con artists occasionally demand total access to the victim\'s PC. This is extremely risky since they can remotely install malware and steal personal information without the victim realizing it.
FBI alert: Scammers posing as well-known computer firms continue to offer to cure fictitious technological problems or renew phony software or security subscriptions. Avoid falling for that. If you purchase this purported antivirus program, you will be giving money to thieves and your computer won\'t be secure.
Romance scams and confidence fraud
Scammers frequently target solitary persons with false identities while preying on the loneliness of elders in an effort to gain their love and trust. The purpose of this fraud is to demand ever-larger sums of money, although it typically takes a few weeks to materialize.
FBI alert: Scammers frequently claim to be in the military or working on projects outside of the United States when making this claim. That makes it simpler to avoid meeting in person and makes their requests for money to be sent overseas for an unexpected medical expense or legal charge more believable.
Fake Government Officials
Criminals frequently pose as representatives of a government agency in these scams. Although the reason for their call or email varies, it typically concludes with a demand for money.
In certain circumstances, criminals inform the victims that they must pay a fine for skipping jury duty or to settle an unresolved warrant. Others involve con artists posing as utility technicians who ask for confirmation of your personal information—information you should never provide.
FBI warning: To gain personally identifiable information, criminals frequently extort victims by threatening them with bodily damage or financial loss. Typically, the individuals ask for cash, wire transfers, or prepaid cards.
How to prevent being a target of fraud
There are several types of scams. Knowing how to recognize them in advance is the greatest way to be safe.
Here are some pointers to help you steer clear of con artists:
- Protect your information - Never divulge personal information to a text or email sender you don\'t recognize or whose identity you can\'t confirm. To con you, thieves only need your name, phone number, and email address.
- Whenever possible, utilize two-factor authentication (2FA) for increased security.
- Sensational language in headlines and captions is a warning sign for clickbait headlines. Nothing is "shocking" or "bizarre" enough to warrant taking the chance of becoming a fraud victim.
- Avoid clicking on links and attachments - Never open any attachments or links that you get in unsolicited emails. They might be harmful and use malware to infect your device or steal confidential data.
- Antivirus is essential. Make sure that all of your devices are running an up-to-date version of a reputable antivirus product.
S:komando.com
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