Seniors, Veterans Need To Watch For Summertime Scams

The Federal Trade Commission reported that older Americans lost more money to investment scams than any other type of fraud.  Tech support scams aren’t far behind.  The AARP's Sean Voskuhl talks about the top four calls that come into the AARP Helpline.

“Identity theft is a big one," he noted.  "When personal information is stolen and used to open or empty bank accounts, report it immediately. Imposter business scams including someone pretending to be from a financial advisor or from Amazon requesting information, don’t engage. Online dating scams promise the world but always need money first. Sweepstakes scams or other easy money options are out there. If you didn’t enter a sweepstakes, you didn’t really win.”

With summer upon us, Voskuhl talked about the top summer scams.

“Watch out for credit card skimming at gas pumps," Voskuhl said.  "Take a few minutes to pay inside. Utility scams involve threatening phone calls about past-due notices and threating to shut off utilities. Hang up and call the utility company directly. Watch out for fake QR codes as they often redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal information. Jury duty scams involve a threat of arrest unless you pay right away. It doesn’t work that way.”

Voskuhl added even veterans and active-duty service members are getting hit hard.

“Watch out for hidden programs, in which veterans are told they qualify for money from supposed secret government programs, but first have to pay a fee or provide personal information," Voskuhl said.  "Scammers also try to charge for documents that veterans get for free from the VA or the National Archives. Scammers will also offer cash for benefits, exploiting veterans in financial distress by offering cash up front for future disability or pension payments.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com