A local financial advisor is warning against Pen Pal scams. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank says scams are only becoming more common and more convincing. She explains that she recently came across a case of a scammer posing as a pen pal, and asking the victim to loan them money that they did not plan to give back. Scammers will often pose as loved ones as well, with a similar goal. 

Miller says that scammers do not discriminate when it comes to their attempted victims; elderly people are often the targets because, on average, 77% of assets belong to people who are 55 and up. That being said, she indicates that Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely groups to fall for a scam. 

Fake websites with deals that are too good to be true try to convince victims that they are purchasing an item at a good price, when in reality they are giving up their payment information. 

Miller adds that taking the time to think twice before making a purchase or sending money electronically can be the difference between falling for a scam and preventing it.