It’s natural to want to put your trust in others, and scammers are experts at winning our trust.
If you think you’ve been scammed, or think you’re about to be, ask yourself:
- Is a stranger or “new friend” pressuring me for money?
- Are they saying there’s a risk to me or my family if I don’t act right away?
- Did your computer screen lock and prompt you to call a number?
- Does it all just seem too good (or too bad!) to be true?
Is the answer yes? Pause and think!
Although scammers rely on you feeling stressed and rushed, please keep in mind there is always time to pause, evaluate the scenario, or ask someone for help. If you aren’t sure, but something seems off, give us a call at (415) 757-4521! Our attorneys are here to help. And there’s never a fee. Ever.
Common Scams
Scammers are like viruses, constantly mutating and adapting to their environment. Here are some of the most recent scams affecting seniors:
Sweepstakes Scam
A notice claims you’ve won a prize—even though you never entered a sweepstakes or bought a lottery ticket. When you try to claim it, you’re told to pay a fee first. They might say it’s for taxes, processing costs, or to “increase your chances” of receiving the prize. Never forget that prizes are always free!
Romance Scam
You meet someone online or by phone who quickly pushes for a romantic relationship—but you never meet in person. They message you constantly for weeks, months or years. Then they suddenly ask for money or urge you to invest in cryptocurrency on an unfamiliar site, claiming their “love” means you can trust them. Never send money to somebody you’ve only talked to online or by phone!
Technology Scam
You receive a phone call or a pop-up message that appears to come from a legitimate security company, warning that your computer is infected with a virus. The person on the other end—someone you don’t know—asks for “remote access” to fix the issue. Granting this access allows them to control your computer and potentially steal your passwords and personal information. Never let a stranger log in!
Grandchild Scam
You get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild (or a close relative). The caller sounds like your relative and is urgently asking you for bail money after being jailed. They depend on emotional urgency and distress to coerce you into giving them money. Is it really their voice or artificial intelligence? Have you double-checked with your family that this is true? Never trust anyone who pressures you to act immediately!
Stranger Scam
An unknown person reaches out to you, hoping you will tell them they have the ‘wrong number’ on text or by phone call. Regardless, they continue talking to you in an attempt to build trust, and once they feel confident enough, they will pressure you into giving them money, sometimes online using cryptocurrency. Stranger scams can occur in person, with the scammer posing as a “healer” or a desperate person who needs cash quickly. Never trust a stranger asking for money!
Fake Bank Scam
You receive a call or text claiming to be from your bank, saying your account has been hacked. When you call the number back, the “representative” asks for sensitive information like your account number, password, or Social Security number. They may then urge you to move your money to a “safe” account. Instead, contact your bank directly using a trusted number, visit a branch in person, or ask a trusted friend or relative to help you verify the situation. Never give personal information out over the phone!
Reporting Resources
The best way to prevent future scams is to report your experience to local and federal agencies. Scammers rarely target a single person. If it happened to you, it is probably happening to somebody else. It is not uncommon for victims of scams to feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they have been taken advantage of, but you are not alone. You can help prevent this from happening again by filing a claim with the following agencies.
For General Fraud:
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Identity Theft Hotline: 1 (877) 438-4338
Consumer Response Center: 1 (877) 382-4357
CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Phone: (215) 418-4000
Investigation Hotline: (628) 652-4324
Fraud Hotline: (628) 652-4311
Bad Check Enforcement Unit: (628) 652-4028
For Fraudulent Businesses:
California State License Board (See: File a Complaint or Report Unlicensed Activity portals)
For Mail Fraud:
Mail Fraud Hotline: (877) 876-2455
For Real Estate Fraud:
For Internet Crimes:
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Internet Crime Complaint Center
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (this one is specifically for crypto scams)
For Complaints against Businesses:
Department of Consumer Affairs
Further Resources: Here are some tips from the National Institute on Aging.
In the News: U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI Recover Millions for Elderly Fraud Victims