They say wisdom comes with age—but so do scammers with very convincing scripts.
In this publication, we're uncovering a scam that has been making waves and could potentially affect you or someone you know. Let’s dive right in.
An 87-year-old widow in Maryland was recently tricked into handing over cash to scammers who posed as tech support, complete with a secret pickup code. Luckily, deputies caught the culprits before more money was lost.
How It Works:
This is a classic tech support scam with a high-stakes twist:
- The victim receives a pop-up alert on her computer saying it's been hacked.
- The alert urges her to call a “support” number—really just a scammer’s hotline.
- Once on the call, the fraudster convinces her that her bank accounts are at risk.
- She’s instructed to withdraw large sums of cash, wrap it like a package, and hand it off to someone who gives a specific code word.
- A second drop was scheduled, but deputies intervened in time, arresting the suspects when they arrived for the “follow-up” cash pickup.
Who’s Targeted:
• Primarily older adults, especially those living alone
• People unfamiliar with tech issues
• Residents in quiet suburban areas or retirement communities
Real-Life Example:
In Bel Air, Maryland, an 87-year-old woman was manipulated into handing off a cash package to a stranger at her home. Thankfully, Harford County Sheriff's deputies and their Drone Unit stepped in and arrested two suspects—Chongsong Chen (48) and Wei Hua Wang (71)—who had traveled from New York for the second collection.
Police recovered cash and several phones believed to be tied to the scam network.
“This case is part of a growing trend of financial scams that target older adults—many of which exploit trust, urgency, or fear,” the sheriff’s office said.
Why You Should Care:
This type of scam isn’t just about money—it’s about violating trust and targeting some of our most vulnerable loved ones. The emotional aftermath can be just as damaging as the financial loss. These scams often go unreported because victims feel embarrassed or fear losing independence.
This could happen to your parents, grandparents—or even to you if you're not alert.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Never respond to pop-up alerts demanding you call a number or take immediate action.
• Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls. Real companies won’t call you out of the blue.
• Never share personal or banking info over the phone unless you initiated the call.
• Verify before acting. Call your bank or visit a local branch if you're unsure.
• Code words = code red. If someone asks for a secret phrase to pick up money or items, it’s a scam.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip: If someone claims your computer is hacked, close the browser immediately—do not click anything or call anyone from a pop-up.
Pro Tip: Install trusted antivirus software and schedule regular scans to prevent malware-based scams.
Update: Harford County Sheriff's Office reminds residents to report all scams, no matter how small. Your report could help prevent another attack.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Tech Support Scam: A deceptive scheme where fraudsters pose as IT or security support to gain access to a victim’s money or devices.
- Pop-Up Alert: A browser message that appears suddenly, often used in scams to create urgency or panic.
- Drone Unit: Law enforcement tool used for aerial surveillance to track suspects in real time.
- Code Word Scam: A method used by scammers to "authenticate" a pickup, adding false legitimacy to the fraud.
- Financial Exploitation: A form of elder abuse where someone illegally or improperly uses another person’s funds or assets.
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