Stay Alert: How to Avoid Getting Scammed

We have recently noticed a sharp increase in scams targeting seniors in our area. Swindlers posing as utility workers, deliverymen, sweepstakes administrators, and IRS employees have attempted to rob unsuspecting seniors of their bank accounts and nest eggs. These criminals have bilked innocent people in our own community out of many thousands of dollars.
 
This happens, in part, because honest, good citizens are trusting and don’t expect to be taken advantage of. Most of us are shocked when this happens to us because we would never treat others this way.
 
The following are some examples of scams that have recently taken place:

1. Victim receives a phone call from a “grandchild” in trouble in a foreign country – ostensibly on a break from college or on a study abroad program. This call is full of static so it is impossible to clearly identify the caller.  The “grandparent” is asked to wire funds to the grand child in trouble. The “grandchild” asks the grandparent to please not inform the parents because the parents will be too worried and upset.
   Tip: If this happens to you, please contact your grandchildren directly. Do not use any numbers given to you by the caller.  Furthermore, immediately contact your children and inquire about the authenticity of call.
2. An official or robot sounding call from an “IRS agent” stating that there is a problem with taxes that can only be solved by sending back taxes to the “IRS”. The caller states that failure to do so is punishable with severe fines or jail time.
   Tip: Never, ever respond to these calls. The IRS does not make threatening calls to individuals over the phone. If you have a problem with the IRS, you will be notified by other means. If you receive a letter, please check it out with an attorney or ask a trusted friend who will help authenticate a letter.
3. Pyramid purchasing schemes. The victim is instructed to purchase several gift cards and mail them to different addresses with the promise of receiving even more gift cards in return.
   Tip: Gift cards should only be given to people you know.
4. Sweepstakes awards: The victim is contacted and told that he or she is the recipient of a prize. The victim is promised a large monetary prize once “taxes” on the prize have been paid.  “Taxes” in the form of checks and gift-cards are sent to the scammer.
   Tip: If you are promised a large prize or cash award, confirm this by validating it. If an award is authentic you will be able to verify it. Ask for the name of the company giving the award, ask for phone numbers, ask for references.
5. Computer hackers: A caller announces that the victim has a computer virus. The caller says that the victim’s computer will crash and all files will be erased unless a cash amount is sent to the caller.
   Tip: There is no way for a caller to know if there is a virus on your computer. Never give out any identifying information or your passwords to anyone who calls you.
6. Auto mechanic scammers: A senior was approached by a “mechanic” at a stoplight. The “mechanic” said he noticed dents and scratches on her vehicle and recognized her from the dealership where he worked. He knew the name of her dealership because she had a plastic cover around her license plate identifying her dealership. The victim assumed that she knew the “mechanic”- or at least had a connection with him through her dealership and thus agreed to let him fix the dents and scratches. She was told that the “mechanic” would do this at a discounted rate but when she asked the “mechanic” the price, he told her not to worry, he would take care of her. She was told to pull off the road into a parking lot where the car was painted and patched. She was then told to pay $4000 for the repairs. When she objected, she was told that she would be followed to her bank where she would be forced to withdraw cash. She withdrew $1500 from her cash station and told the robbers that was all she had. When she began to panic, they drove off quickly, leaving her feeling devastated and violated.
   Tip: Never follow someone off of the road into a parking lot or uninhabited area. If you do not recognize someone, do not engage in any conversation.  If someone asks you for money and says they will follow you to your cash station for a withdrawal, avoid doing this. Go inside the bank instead. If you are afraid, TELL SOMEONE!!  Even a bystander can interrupt a crime. 

 
These are some of the most common types of scams that are perpetrated against unsuspecting seniors, but there are many more out there.  
 
If this happens to you, it does not mean that you are stupid or uninformed. These deceptive people are very good at their job.  In fact, our embarrassment and reluctance to share our experiences is the key to their continued success. 
 
Please remember…

• If something feels uncomfortable or not right, listen to your gut. Do not do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is!
• Never give identifying information over the phone - if you have doubts or questions, get the caller‘s phone number and ask to call them back.  If they will not give a call back number, hang up!
• A bank or the IRS will never ask you for your Social Security number or account numbers over the phone! Don’t give them out to anyone!

 
Whom to contact:

• Law Enforcement – Munster Police Department (219) 836-6600 or your local Police Department
• Family and Friends
• Your Financial Institution – Your personal bank
• The Social Security Administration – (800) 772-1213
• IRS – (800) 829-1040

 
We are hosting a meeting to discuss prevention of these situations. A seminar will be given by a professional from our area. Please join us to learn more so we can prevent criminals from perpetrating these crimes.
 
Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm
Where: Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, 558 Progress Avenue, Munster
Presenter: Mr. Brian Miller, Director of Public Safety at Purdue Northwest
​Cost: FREE
RSVP to the Federation office at (219) 301-0960 by Monday, January 6.