I recently hosted two senior scam seminars in Oceanside and Vista. We had an overflow turnout with more than 300 participants between the two locations. Providing seniors with the knowledge and tools to avoid scams is vitally important. We hope to do a similar event in South Orange County
In 2023, seniors lost more than $97.3 million in San Diego County as a result of being scammed by numerous clever tactics. SafeOC is Orange County’s award-winning public safety website. It has a section specific to assisting with scam and fraud at safeoc.com/scams-fraud. The site is constantly updated on the variety of online frauds and scams everyone should be aware of. It also shares how elderly can remain informed and protect themselves.
If you do get a call or an email saying something is wrong with your bank account, utility bill or a credit card, hang up and call the bank, utility or credit card company to verify. One should never give personal or financial information over the phone. Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, close out your computer or hang up the phone call and tell a friend. Help is an option.
If someone does get scammed, it is important to report it, even after the scam has happened. Not reporting scams makes them harder to stop. Seniors who sense a scam or have been tricked into giving money to a person or entity they realize is a fraud, should immediately contact their local police department and report it.
I have supported legislation that gives law enforcement more tools to go after thieves, and gives seniors a longer period of time to report fraud. This allows them a greater chance for the return of lost money.
Some of the common elder fraud schemes include:
• Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix nonexistent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
• Romance: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.
• Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam in which criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.
• Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
• Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”
• Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that are never provided.
Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County—down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County.
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Read the Article: https://www.picketfencemedia.com/danapointtimes/soapbox/laurie-s-latest-seniors-should-be-aware-of-numerous-scams-intended-to-take-their-money/article_c50b5fa2-4aba-11ef-9a6c-9f7665c5e48b.html
Watch the Seminar: https://ad74.asmrc.org/2024/07/20/davies-dispatch-july-legislative-update/