“Yes hello.” “I can barely hear what you are saying.” “Who did you say you are again?” “My name? June J-U-N-E. My last name is ..” That is when I sprung up and screamed, “Hang up, its a scam.” This has happened more than once when I have been at a client’s home. Goodness knows how much information they gave to these scammers when no one was there to stop them.
The Issue
Very few of us have land lines anymore but that is not true for older adults. I would estimate that 75% have landlines, especially if they have been in their homes for decades. While my cell phone tells me a scam is likely, landlines generally do not. These scammers can get numbers in your area code, even if they are calling from a foreign country.
There is so much information out there about each of us. Scammer can legally find out our ages and they target those over 80 aggressively. Once you answer and engage, they know your number is legitimate and that you are a target. They sell that information to other scammers. I have been to client’s homes whose phones ring every five to ten minutes with scam calls.
Who is at most risk?
As mentioned, those over 80 years old with land lines are targeted the most. However those with dementia are particularly vulnerable to scammers. Those who are lonely are also at an increased risk for romance scams. People have lost their life savings to someone who they thought cared about them but were not who they said they were.
What is at risk?
Any information you give out is at risk for being sold on the dark web or used to imitate you to steal your money. They can get into your computer and get your bank account or if you give them your credit card they can access it. The worst case is if they steal your identity which takes much time and inconvenience to convince companies you do business with that it is really you.
What can you do?
The Technology Solution
Contact your phone provider about spam blockers. Spectrum has a feature, Call Guard that is free. One client’s daughter reported that it was easy to set up and has made a tremendous difference. There are also spam blocker apps available to put on your cell phone.
The Behavioral Solution
You need to educate the older adults in your life about scammers. No one will call and tell them they will go to jail if they don’t do something – that includes those claiming to be the sheriff and the state police. If you can’t hear someone because the connection is bad that is because they are calling from a sweatshop in a third world country. Hang up. Their grandchild is not in a jail in a foreign country and needs to get out of jail with Home Depot gift cards. Have that conversation.