Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

PREVENTING SCAMS & FRAUD

PREVENTING SCAMS & FRAUD

Pay Up or Face Arrest Scam: The caller knows your name and says he is calling from the “National Bureau of Crime Enforcement” because there’s a warrant for your arrest. The caller transfers you to a senior officer who says you owe the government money and if you don’t resolve the issue you’ll be arrested. Despite the questions the caller will not say where he’s from, what the debt is for, what government agency was requesting the money. The called plays on fear and scares you into giving personal information over the phone or sending money to them. This is also popular through the means of email and the internet. Along these lines, many scammers will claim they are with the IRS and threaten you with arrest if you do not pay your alleged back taxes. The IRS will never call you – they mail you about delinquent taxes. Charity Scam: This type of scam may be done through the mail, phone, email, etc. They may sound legitimate, but do little to contribute to charity (police, firefighters and veteran’s charities). Make donations directly to the organizations you want to support. “ You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older. ” Anouk Aimee

Front Door Scam: DO NOT open your door to strangers or let them in. Be cautious of anyone at your door who doesn’t have an appointment. They may be someone trying to sell something. They may try to enter your home by stating they’re thirsty or need to use your phone. Often times, scammers will work in a group. One or two people will distract the homeowner while the rest of the group goes into the homeowner’s house and rob them. Landscaping scams are known for this ruse. One person shows the homeowner around their yard while the scammer’s partners rob the house. Public Works Scam: The scammer claims they work for public works and need to check water pressure, electric, sewer or other issues. Once they are in your home or keeping you occupied, their partner will sneak into the house and rob it. Grandparent’s Scam: You get a call from your grandchild. They don’t know your grandchildren’s name, so they will say “Grandma or Grandpa?” They are hoping you give them a name. Once you do, they’ll impersonate your grandchild and claim they need money sent to them by Moneygram or Western Union as soon as possible. They’ll give you instructions on where to go. Call your grandchild and confirm they are indeed out of the country, their whereabouts, and are they really in trouble.

Gypsy Scam: Someone is at your door asking if you want your driveway blacktopped/sealed. They say they have extra material in the truck and have a great deal for you. They don’t provide estimates, paperwork, business cards and there’s no name on their truck. They’ll want to speak to you VERY BADLY outside of your home. Don’t open the door and tell them “no”. Coronavirus Scams: Learn to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information. Ignore offers for vaccines and miracle treatments or cures. Be wary of ads for test kits as many kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate. business will never ask for your social security number by email or over the phone. They will never ask for you for a pin or credit card number. Ask questions, don’t send money and don’t give out personal information on the phone. Once a criminal has your pin, credit card number or social security number, they can steal your identity, purchase items over the internet, etc. If you do fall victim call your bank and/or credit card company immediately. Tell them what’s happened and close your accounts. Remember! Be a smart consumer. A legitimate

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