Age Spots: Scams for you and scams for me

Recently there has been an influx in the number of scams targeting the Southeast Missouri area, some going as far as to target businesses. Every time you hear of someone getting scammed the first thing most people say is “I’d never fall for that” or “It would never happen to me,” but theses scammers are smart. Scaring people and keeping them in a panic and off guard is how they are able to get money. When we are panicking, we are not thinking clearly. And almost everyone can make bad decisions when they don’t have time to think about things.

Recently an old scam has been making the rounds again. A client told me she had received a call from someone claiming to be her grandson. Many times they start the conversation by asking “Grandma, do you know who this is?” Now the scammer has a name to use. He informed her that he was traveling with a friend and they were pulled over and arrested for having drugs in the car. He was scared and almost in tears because he couldn’t tell his parents and neither could she. Every time she questioned an oddity, he had an answer. He didn’t sound like him; it was because he was sick and needed medicine. She thought he was in school; it was spur of the moment and he didn’t tell his parents. She knew he didn’t use drugs; well it wasn’t him it was the friend. She was even allowed to speak with the police officer who told her it was only $3,000 for the bond. If she could just get that, her grandson would be free. Luckily this client realized something was off and did not get scammed out of her money, but not all are so lucky.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), financial scams targeting seniors are so prevalent they’ve become the crime of the 21st century. As fast as law enforcement officials crack down on one case of fraud, a new one pops up. And the roughly 10,000 people a day who turn 65 fall for an old scheme with a new twist.

So how do you protect yourself from scammers — practice saying “no”? No can be a complete sentence.

Send money to free your grandchild or buy this product or avoid going to jail.

No.

All we need is your Medicare number.

No.

You’ve won millions of dollars; we just need some good faith money.

No.

It’s not rude to tell someone who calls you or knocks on your door unsolicited no. In fact, it just might save you some money and stress. If you think you have fallen for a scam, report it to the local police or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1 (888) 382-1222.

To help educate and inform about different scams, Aging Matters, in conjunction with the Missouri SMP, is hosting a Scamboree event. This Scamboree aimed at seniors will give information about scams going around, ways to protect yourself and offer an opportunity to learn while having a lot of fun. The event will be Thursday, March 16, at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at North Cape County Park. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Please call Aging Matters at (573) 335-3331 or (800) 392-8771 to reserve your seat.

The more we know, the more we can protect ourselves.