Elder Fraud | Federal Bureau of Investigation
Millions of elderly Americans fall prey to financial fraud or deception schemes, such as romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few.
Elder fraud is likely to become a growing problem as the elderly population grows. Criminals will gain their targets’ trust through computer, phone, and mail, and once successful, scammers will likely keep a scheme going because of the potential for significant financial gain.
What to do if an elderly relative is being scammed?
How can I assist a relative or friend who has been scammed? Gently bring up the subject with them, perhaps by inquiring about the calls and mail they receive, and see if they’d be willing to register for the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service to help block some of the calls and mail.
How do I stop getting scammed in the elderly?
What can you do if you’ve been duped?
- Don’t panic.
- Write down everything that happened, if possible u2013 keep a log of phone calls, save all emails, and screenshot text messages.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider, if applicable, using the number on the back of your card u2013 their fraud teams can assist you.
What do you do when a family member is scammed?
Scams are illegal, so you should contact law enforcement. Start by contacting your local police department and filing a police report; the police will usually assign an officer to the case who will assist you in filling out the police report.
Who can help me if I have been scammed?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports; you can report your scam online or by calling 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET) to the FTC complaint assistant.
How do you outsmart a romance scammer?
How Can You Avoid Being Conned By A Romance Scammer?
- Check their images.
- Scan their profile for loopholes.
- Look for inconsistencies in their communication.
- Take things slowly.
- Don’t share financial details/passwords.
- Talk to someone you trust.
How do I know if I have been scammed?
There are seven telltale signs that you’re being conned.
- You’ve been contacted out of the blue by a company.
- You’ve been rejected for credit, but you have a good credit history.
- You’re being rushed.
- Your bank is requesting your PIN number and personal information.
How can you tell if someone is a romance scammer?
Romance scammers tell lies, and there are warning signs to look out for.
- They’re far away. A romance scammer’s background is one of the first red flags.
- Their profile appears too good to be true.
- The relationship moves quickly.
- They break promises to visit.
- They claim they need money.
- They request specific payment methods.
Can a scammer go to jail?
Fraud can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor offense depending on where you live and the crime you’ve been charged with. Incarceration. Fraud convictions can result in a jail or prison sentence, with federal charges carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
How do I outsmart a scammer?
Here are five simple steps you can take to safeguard yourself against cybercrime:
- Know your adversary. Educate yourself on the various types of scams and how to protect yourself.
- If in doubt, don’t click.
- Password protect.
- Never provide personal information over SMS.
Can you go to jail for someone scamming you?
Most online fraud or cyber crimes are known as “wobblers,” and they can be punished as either misdemeanors or felonies, with a maximum fine of $1,000 to $10,000. The term of imprisonment can be up to three years in county jail.
How can I get revenge on a scammer?
There are a few legal revenge tactics you can use if you’re determined to get back at a scammer.
- Ignore: The most obvious way is to ignore the scammer.
- Scambaiting: You can try to engage the scammer by responding to their emails and pretending to participate in whatever scheme they’ve devised.
What to do if you send money to a scammer?
What Should You Do If You Have Given Money to a Scammer?
- If you sent money through a wire transfer company like MoneyGram or Western Union, contact them right away and inform them that it was a fraudulent transfer. If you sent money through your bank, contact them and inform them that it was a fraudulent transfer.
Can you recover money from a scammer?
You may be able to get some or all of your money back through criminal restitution if the scammers are caught and charged, but you’ll only be able to get back the money you can prove you paid to the scammers, so keep all receipts, bank or credit card statements, and other documentation.