Today, we’re talking about a serious topic that’s been affecting many people, especially our seniors. Let’s dive into some valuable insights and tips to keep you safe from scammers.
A Real Story of Fraud
Chavarria, a resident of Hope Ranch, shared a scary experience where someone used her Social Security number to apply for disability and unemployment benefits under her name and her son's account. They even used a fake address. This is a type of identity theft.
Scammers Target Older Adults
According to the National Institute on Aging, scammers often target older adults because they might not report fraud as quickly. Cheri Jisinski from Goleta mentioned, "They're getting smarter and smarter at taking money from anybody and everybody. We are more vulnerable at our age."
Why It's Getting Harder to Spot Scams
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated with technology. Everything about us can be found on the dark web, making it crucial to understand how these scams work and take steps to protect ourselves.
Who to Turn to for Help
Senator Monique Limón emphasized the importance of knowing who to contact when you suspect a scam. She said scams can be financial, insurance-driven, or banking-related. It's vital to know that there are state representatives and agencies ready to help.
Expert Advice from the Anti-Scam Seminar
At a recent seminar in Goleta, experts from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and the Department of Justice shared crucial advice:
- If you get a call from someone claiming to be from a trusted source, hang up and call back using the number from their official website.
- Never give out your bank routing number, account number, or credit card information over the phone.
Empower Yourself Against Scams
Hilda Zacarias from Community Partners in Caring highlighted the importance of not feeling ashamed if you’ve been a victim. Empower yourself by stopping to think before acting and learning where to seek help.
What to Do if You or Someone You Know is Targeted
- Contact your local police department or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For more detailed information and ongoing updates, visit our blog at Scamstall. Let’s stay vigilant and protect ourselves from fraud and scams!
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