Connecticut State Police are warning residents across the state to beware of a growing number of scam efforts reported in recent days, including a rise in cryptocurrency-related scams, an effort that has become more sophisticated with growing interest in the currency in recent years.
State police said in a press release that residents of all ages fall victim to scams, but across the region prospective perpetrators have focused far more on elderly populations, attempting to take advantage of their vulnerability. Many seniors are polite on the phone and may be tempted to give in to persuasive telemarketers or people seeking “donations for charity.”
Police are warning residents to never give money over the phone and, although it may be difficult, individuals should just say “no” and end the call. Another common tactic is for scammers to call a senior claiming that they are a relative and need money wired to help them out of a dire situation.
“These scammers often tell seniors ‘not to tell anyone else in the family’ and just wire the money because of the urgent situation,” state police said in a press release. “Always verify with family members first before wiring anything.”
Seniors who were accustomed to conducting business over the telephone in the past may not recognize the risk of giving out personal or banking information…
