Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Here’s What To Look Out For And What To Do
The best advice to prevent scams can be found on the Protect the Good Life website:
“Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Federal Trade Commission has issued a brochure with four signs that it is a scam:
• Using an organization you know, scammers pretend to be contacting you representing the government. Examples include Social Security, IRS, Medicare, or a well-known business. Never give personal information to unsolicited calls.
• There is a problem or a prize. Scammers claim you owe money to the government or a family member who has had an emergency. Scammers might say there is a virus on your computer or an account needs verification.
• Time is of the essence. Scammers want you to act immediately before you have had a chance to think or to check out their story. They threaten with the possibility of arrest or other scary scenarios, just hang up.
• Scammers will demand that you pay in a unique method like gift cards, cryptocurrency, wiring money, or sending you a fake check to be deposited, and then you send them money.
Protect the Good Life and the Social Security Office have other cautionary advice for Nebraska seniors:
• Don’t pay to collect a prize.
• Shred personal information like receipts, credit card offers and statements, insurance forms, and other account information.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport. Put them in a safe place at home.
• Wiring money is just like cash.
• Hang up on unknown callers or solicitations. Scammer target seniors because they may be more trusting.
• Check financial accounts. Get a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
• Customize security settings and delete unused accounts.
Popular scams include charity organizations, grandparents, home repair, internet, investment, sweepstakes or lottery, travel club fraud and, of course, Valentine’s Day scams.
Important Websites:
• The National Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.govor call 888-382-1222
• Report Fraud to Nebraska Attorney General: [email protected]