PSA: Beware of Scammers Preying on Older Adults
While running on the treadmill this afternoon, I caught a few minutes of a CBS news segment discussing the 250 person ring accused of scamming older adults. Who does this? Preying on people who have all sorts of reasons that just scream “don’t pick on me” when there’s plenty of other folk to prey on is just seriously wrong. I tell my 82 year old mother all the time, “if someone calls you and tells you that you’re computer has a virus and they need to fix it” HANG UP. How would they know this information? Or if someone calls you and says “Grama, I need some money but don’t tell Mom” HANG UP. Or if you get the call from the IRS about some refund or tax due – HANG UP. They won’t call you. The IRS ONLY sends letters. These scams are unfortunately so common it’s sad. One of my childhood friends from the ‘hood told me about her mother getting sucked out of thousands of dollars with the “Grama” phone call. Here’s the bottom line – call your parents today and inform them. If you’re an older adult, click on the AARP Fraud Map and know what’s happening in your neighborhood – but do not get scammed! https://action.aarp.org/site/SPageNavigator/FraudMap.html
