Rural Community Warned to Watch for Phone Scams

According to the latest numbers from the Federal Trade Commission, an estimated four out of five Americans will lose money this year to phone and Internet scammers.  And typically, older adults are a favorite target.  So why are scammers targeting older folks? Kansas State University extension educator Barbara Stockebrand explains why older folks are so often targeted.

“They're more likely to listen. They are often more trusting and they're more easily caught off guard.” 

And Stockebrand noted those scammers have a story that sounds legitimate. 

“Someone calling from Social Security meeting your personal information or confirming that or the IRS with threats of arrest, possibly if outstanding taxes aren't.  There may be a call or an e-mail, a friend or a grandchild is in trouble and in need of money immediately.”

Stockebrand noted a term like immediately should serve as a big red flag.  Visit the FTC's Website for tips on how to spot a scammer.

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