Talk to seniors about scams: DRPS | #datingscams | #lovescams

“Phone a friend” isn’t just an option on a game show, #PhoneAFriend is a new campaign, launched by Durham police, to help protect seniors.

Officers want you to talk to seniors in your lives about active scams and ask them to phone a friend whenever they feel unsure about a phone call or visitor to their home.

This comes as phone and door-to-door scams are on the rise.

Police say seniors are often the target of scams because:

•They are usually home during the day
•They have the money and/or info the scammer and fraudsters are looking for
•Are generally more trusting of authority and information presented to them

Typical scams include:

•Scammer acts as a lawyer, police officer or government official and seek owed money.
•Scammers pretend to be helping a loved one and request money to bail them out of jail.
•Scammers attempt to contact those on dating sites and build a relationship then ask for a “loan.”
•Scammers try to get your personal information such as account, PIN and credit card details or SIN information.
•Scammers try to convince you that you have won a lottery and must pay money to release your winnings.

Tips for Protecting Yourself From Scammers:

• Never open the door or invite anyone into your home that you don’t know or recognize. Use your peephole, chain lock or talk through a locked storm door if possible.

• End any conversation when you feel threatened or intimidated. Call someone you trust to discuss.

• Before you do or sign anything: Stop, think and then think some more. Call someone you trust to discuss if you feel at all unsure about what is going on.

• Police, bailiff or government officials will NEVER attend your home or call you to collect money; and they will never have you wire money, use gift cards or deposit directly into a bank account.

• Create a safety word with family so if you are called asking to help, the person calling can provide the safe word.

• Anyone telling you NOT to tell anyone is a red flag and probably a scam. Call someone you trust.

• If they tell you that you must act quickly, remember that “Speed is Greed.”

• Don’t call back the number the fraudster provides you. Always call someone you trust to discuss.

• Tell seniors to phone a friend! If it seems too good to be true or if you feel at all intimidated, call someone you trust. #PhoneAFriend

If you are a victim of a fraud, report it to police: 1-888-579-1520

Image courtesy of DRPS