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Phone Scam Crooks Find New Way to Target Elderly

May 31, 2014

Imposter fraud has become increasingly endemic in the U.S. in recent years. The term has been coined to describe a situation in which people pose as law enforcement agents, government officials, or even relatives in order to scam money from innocent people on the other end of the phone. 

The most targeted are the elderly due to the low-risk nature of the crime and the unfortunate fact that most incidents go unreported. Seniors often times feel embarrassed in situations in which they were taken advantage of, especially where they might feel some kind of cognitive loss. However, retirees are also prime targets because of their retirement savings and equity in their homes, as well as lottery/sweepstakes winners due to their newfound funds.

One of the newest scams surfacing preys upon the elderly and their civic duty. Targets are told that they have failed to show up for jury duty and will be arrested. To avoid arrest, the individual is told, they must pay money. It’s these kinds of scams, those which tap into fear, that end up being successful. Seniors understand that it is possible they could have forgotten an appointment and know that avoiding jury duty could potentially be punishable by law; thus the crook and his story become believable.

It is important to be aware of such scams so you don’t find yourself on the unlucky end of one of these schemes. Diligence in keeping up to date on the latest scams affecting citizens can help to avoid falling into the trap. Law enforcement agents stress that they never call and ask for personal financial information over the phone. In March, the AARP began a Fraud Watch Network map in order to expand awareness of the growing epidemic. The network also has a fraud hotline, 877-908-3360, which you can call if you have any questions or receive any suspicious phone calls.