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Be Wary of Scams That Take Advantage of Seniors

Seniors have increasingly become the target for scammers in this time of COVID.

Remember these tips to protect yourself from scammers wanting to take advantage of you:

  • Do not provide information over the phone. Scammers often ask leading questions to retrieve information from you. Often, you do not realize you are giving them valuable information.
  • Scammers create a sense of urgency; they state that they are in distress and need money immediately. Slow down and ask the caller for detailed information and a contact number.
  • Tell the caller you will call them back after you verify information.
  • Attempt to verify the caller’s story by calling family and/or friends. Scammers will often tell the loved one not to tell anyone and provide a reason as to why the situation cannot or should not be discussed.
  • Remember that scammers often use a technique called “spoofing.” Spoofing provides a fictitious number to a Caller ID display.
  • Do not send money or provide someone with cash. The scammer might provide you with a tracking number or some other type of number to add legitimacy to their claim.
  • Most importantly, contact police immediately if you believe you are a victim of a telephone scam. Call the non-emergency number for Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000.

For more information about common scams, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/seniors/fraud-and-scams.html.

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