Common Tactics Scammers Use to Fool Seniors
Have you ever looked at the tactics that scammers use? If you know them, you can prepare your parents for them. This can keep your parents from falling for a scam.
They Claim to Be Real Companies or Agencies
Common Tactics Scammers Use to Fool Seniors
Many scams claim to be a real company. The “your computer is infected” messages or calls that show a brand like HP or Toshiba. Because a valid company name was used, your parents think they’re talking to someone from that company.
The use of spoofing, faking the number that’s calling, is making this even more believable. Your dad sees a call from the IRS on their caller ID and thinks it’s the IRS. The problem is, it’s not. It’s a tactic scammers use to convince people that it’s a legitimate call.
They Distract and Demand Immediate Action
Scammers push and push hard. With quick speech and the demand for immediate answers or action, they’re able to distract. If the target doesn’t have time to think, the scammer is more likely to get the information that’s needed.
An example of this is the popular grandparent scam. The grandparent believes the grandchild is hurt, in jail, or in some kind of trouble. The caller doesn’t say they can call around and verify the information, there’s a hurried demand for payment. Your mom falls for it because it’s her grandchild in trouble.
They Push That the Offer is About to Expire
Some scams push an offer that’s about to expire knowing that seniors want to save money. The item may be useless. If it’s a great deal and possibly is something that the senior will use, they’ll buy it.
An example of this is the infomercial you see for a variety of products that don’t work. The miracle diets with the “act fast and you get two bottles for the price of one.” The pills don’t do anything to cause weight to melt away, but that promise and the appealing two for one is often enough to lure seniors to buy them.
They Target Emotions
Scammers look for older adults who are lonely and likely to stay on the line. They’ll feed off your parent’s emotions to do this. They’ll make comments about how they’re doing everything possible to keep your parents from being arrested for unpaid traffic fines. They understand the worry and fear. That helps fool the target into thinking the person is kind and trustworthy. Helpful, kind people aren’t scammers to a trusting older adult.
Prevent the situations that may lead to your mom and dad taking time to talk to scammers. Make sure they’re not lonely and have someone to remind them to update software like virus protection. Elder care services help in many ways. Your parents gain companionship services and assistance when they’re online or answering the phone.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care Services in Gray GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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