Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from Scams, Fraud, & Identity Theft

Criminals often target older adults to steal their money. They will do this by using personal information, threats, intimidation, false promises, and persistence. They often appear trustworthy and seem sincere, but will turn quickly when they do not get what they want.

Unfortunately, scam victims may be too embarrassed or fearful to admit doubts to family or friends. Con artists usually appear to be trustworthy and sincere, and one can easily be taken in by an offer that seems too good to resist, especially from someone who sounds like a nice person.

Lifespan can help if you suspect a scam or fraud. Lifespan can also help you avoid or handle unscrupulous contractors and telemarketers. If you believe you are the victim of a scam call Lifespan, 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 toll-free.

We also provide free workshops about common scams and ID theft for groups.

10 Tips to help protect you and your loved ones

Never pay money to collect money or prizes.

Prizes/sweepstakes/lotteries don’t require taxes/fees upfront. You don’t have to purchase items to win or pay money to win money. An enclosed check is most likely FAKE!
Your online love asks for money; no matter the reason, stop! Don’t send it.

Romance scams are on the rise. Scammers are hoping that your good faith in them will cause you to send them money to help with an urgent situation. The problem is, there will always be a “new” urgent situation and they will not stop asking you for money. Most of the time you will never be able to meet them in person, and while it may not start that way, most of your interactions will turn into conversations about money.
If you wish to donate to a charity, give local.

There are so many places right in our own communities that rely on charitable contributions. By giving local, you are supporting services for people in your own neighborhood or that you may need for yourself someday! Also, you can visit local charities and nonprofits to see firsthand the quality of the work they do.
Verify a government agency by hanging up on the phone and then calling them.

Scammers use software to make it look like the government, local law enforcement, or legitimate organizations are contacting you. Let those calls goes to voicemail. If it is important enough, they will wait for you to call them back. Do not hit “redial” on your phone, rather, look up the number of the supposed agency calling you and contact them using that number.
Never allow remote access to your computer, cell phone, or other electronic devices.

Be careful what you download. Don’t consent to unsolicited prompts. Check security settings, use anti-spyware and install a firewall. Make sure that the websites you’re using are secure (they will start with https:// or have a closed lock icon next to them). If you believe your computer has been hacked, unplug it from the internet and bring it to a local computer store to investigate.
Caller ID is not reliable. The number you see could be part of a scam.

Scammers can clone local phone numbers as well! Often, they will call you from a phone number that starts with your area code and the first three digits of your own phone number. They do this so that you answer, thinking it’s really a call for you. Again, it’s OK to let the call go to voicemail. If it’s important enough they will wait for you to contact them or will call you back.
Do not mail cash or purchase gift cards for payment of any kind.

Both cash and gift cards are untraceable. That means that the second you give them to someone else, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll get it back. Mail can get lost, intercepted, or damaged. Also, no legitimate business will ask you to send cash in the mail for any reason. The government and legitimate businesses will never ask you to pay for a bill with gift cards – and they certainly won’t advise you on where to go to get gift cards!
Do not share medical or personal information including your Social Security number over the phone or computer.

Never give any personal information, bank account or social security numbers over the phone or internet, unless you initiated the contact and/or you are sure the website is secure.
Delete unsolicited emails or text messages without clicking on any links.

These are often referred to a “phishing” scam. Scammers will cast a wide net, contacting thousands of people at a time, hoping that at least a few will “bite” (click on) a malicious link. This will give them access to more of your information and potentially allow them to take control over your electronic device. At the very least, they now know they have a “live” number and that there is someone on the other end who they can take advantage of.
Never give personal information unless YOU made the call.