Not Everyone is Nebraska Nice: Don’t get scammed
Information in this article is from the Preventing Senior Fraud booklet, distributed by the Office of the Attorney General, Nebraska Department of Justice. Read on for scam descriptions, along with warning signs, and what to do if you believe you are being, or have been, scammed.
IMPOSTOR SCAMS
Someone poses as a friend or relative, via email or phone, in desperate need of money due to something being terribly wrong, for example a car wreck or kidnapping. Others claim to work for a government agency and indicate your taxes are unpaid and you are at risk of being arrested and/or you are about to lose your benefits. Still other impostor scams allege you’ve won money, prizes, or claim to be computer tech support and viruses have been detected on your device.
Warning Signs:
You are asked to send money immediately by gift card or wire transfer and are discouraged from using a credit card or check.
The caller asks for access to your computer or wants confidential information such as your Social Security Number, date of birth, bank account, or credit card numbers.
The caller is insistent and wants to stay on the line while you follow through with what they want you to do.
What You Should Do:
Resist pressure to make an immediate decision.
Call the friend or family member on another line to determine if they are truly in trouble.
If you suspect a scam, hang up.
NEVER give personal information over the phone or computer unless you initiated the contact or have a prior relationship with the person you are corresponding with.
Don’t “confirm” personal information either. It’s a trick!
Don’t agree to any “free gift” offer if you are required to pay additional fees (i.e. administrative, registration, or shipping).
Don’t send cash by overnight mail, wire transfer, gift card, messenger, or prepaid card. If it is a scam, your money will be gone with no way to dispute fraudulent charges.
HOME REPAIR SCAMS
Someone claiming to be a repair expert or contractor offers you a “deal” because they are working in the area and have “extra material.” Be skeptical!
Warning Signs:
The special offer is available that day only.
The “contractor” is unable to show proper identification and refuses to provide an estimate or references.
You are pressured to make a decision immediately.
Upfront payment is demanded for services not yet done or incomplete services.
A small repair suddenly becomes a major problem.
What You Should Do:
Refuse to purchase services from any contractor who shows up uninvited to your home.
Never agree to have work done on the spot.
Use a local, well-established contractor who can provide references you can contact.
Shop around and get several competitive bids in writing.
Do not pay the full amount upfront. Do not pay with cash.
Check qualifications like registration and licensing on the Nebraska Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.nebraska. gov or by calling (402) 471-2239.
Other scams include identity theft, foreign lottery promotions, charity fraud, bogus business and job opportunities, and investment schemes.
Unfortunately, those who scam give us good reason to be cautious and maybe even a bit suspicious. However, being aware and well informed will improve your chances of not falling prey to a scammer.
KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Everyone is a potential victim-including seniors.
Seniors may be targeted more because they are perceived by scam artists to have more free time or may be more trusting.
Be direct, even rude if you have to. Hang up or shut the door on unwanted solicitations.
Free is free. If you are asked to pay for something that is free, walk away.
Wiring money is just like sending cash. Once you send it, it is gone for good.
Ask a friend, relative, or trusted advisor if you have doubts.
Review your financial statements often.
Shred personal and financial information.
Call law enforcement immediately if you think you have been victimized.
If someone offers to help you recover your losses from a scam “for a small fee” it is probably the scammer coming back for more.