Almost every week you hear on the news that someone in the area was scammed and lost hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. It is important for everyone to know some of the major scams happening, especially right now during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to ACFE, aging adults are targeted most of all because they are most likely to be willing to listen. During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have become more creative in their ways. Here are 4 of the most used scams that are targeting older adults right now.
COVID-19 Test Kits: Currently, there are no “At Home” COVID-19 test kits in our area. Many scammers will state that they can send you a “Home Test Kit for COVID-19” if banking/credit card information is provided. This is 100% a scam. By getting your banking/credit card information, they now have access to your financials and money that you have saved. Make sure to call your doctor for a COVID-19 Test if you are experiencing symptoms.
Stimulus-Related Scams: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has seen many scams recently around the time stimulus payments are being deposited to accounts from the government. These scams will ask for bank account information so funds can be “released” to the account. Unfortunately, many individuals have fallen for this scam. Government officials will not call you directly for this information.
Vaccines: Many scammer texts and phone calls have been received in regards to the vaccine for COVID-19. These scammers ask you to provide an over-the-phone payment or requests you to click the link within a text to provide the payment source online. Only your primary doctor or place of employment will notify you if the vaccine is available.
Charities: Some scammer phone calls aging adults are receiving are ones that focus on charities or individuals who need help. For example, scammers are claiming that they are gathering donations for families that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a caregiver or child of an aging adult, how can you help?
Remind your loved ones to never provide credit card/banking information over the phone, or on a whim.
Keep connected with your loved one. If you cannot see them in person, talk with them over the phone or video call. Constant contact with them will keep you in the know of what is happening in their every day life.
Keep updated on current coronavirus related scams. Communicate the knowledge of COVID-scams to your aging loved one to prevent them from falling for one.
Verify any questionable situation with someone your trust, like a doctor, pharmacist, or Physician’s Assistant.
If the aging adult you know happens to fall for a scam, be supportive. Try to respond to their action warmly. Aging adults feel more willing to discuss situations among professionals if their family/friend is supportive, too.
It is important for everyone to know what scams are out there during the COVID-19 Pandemic. At Christ the King Manor, we think it is important to keep everyone educated on what is happening among seniors in all aspects of life. This is one way aging adults can easily protect their finances.
For more information about us, head to www.CTKManor.org!
Author: Christ the King Manor
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