Local News

Scams and Older Americans

Financial exploitation is a form of elder abuse and Social Security is offering advice on helping protect your older relatives and friends from elder abuse in the form of scams.

 

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates while scammers target people of all ages, older adults lose nearly 25 times more money than other age groups. It is estimated that scams cost older adults $113 billion a year and often these scams go unreported due to confusion about how to report or embarrassment.

 

 

Myers points those wanting more information to visit a couple of resources at the Social Security website, socialsecurity.gov. The 'Social Security Matters' blog article  www.blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters and its 'Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams' webpage at www.ssa.gov/scam.

 

 

Common elements of a government imposter scam include exploiting fears, threatening arrest or legal action, claiming there is a problem with your SSN or your benefits, or claiming your SSN is linked to a crime. Myers reminds, very rarely is Social Security going to make contact with someone without their prior knowledge.

 

 

If you encounter an email or phone call that you suspect is a scam, hang up right away or ignore the message. Myers adds never give personal info or money, they may ask you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers or even mail or wire cash. And report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General.  

 

There is also a report link at www.ssa.gov/scam.

Townhall Top of the Hour News

Local Weather - Sponsored By:

CLINTON WEATHER

Local News

DeWittDN on Facebook