Emergency Fraud:
Fraudsters use social media, the internet, and phones to target potential victims with the emergency scam. Seniors receive a call claiming to be a family member or a close friend describing an urgent situation that requires immediate funds. Common themes have been that the family member (e.g., grandchild) was arrested or got into an accident while travelling abroad. Monies are required for hospital expenses, lawyer fees, or bail. Usually, the potential victim is instructed to send money via a money service business or through prepaid cards, like Green Dot Money Pack, Pay Safe, or other types of gift cards.
How to protect yourself
– Confirm with other relatives the whereabouts of the family member or friend.
– Police, judges, or legal entities will never make an urgent request for money.
– Never voluntarily give out names of family members or information to unknown callers.
– Always question urgent requests for money.
Service Fraud:
These frauds often involve offers for telecommunications, internet, finance, medical, and energy services. In addition, extended warranties, insurance, and sales services may fall under this category.
The most common involves consumers being tricked into having their computer cleaned or repaired. Fraudsters call and claim to be a representative from well-known computer company such as Microsoft, Windows, or Apple. The fraudster will claim that the computer is sending out viruses or…
