How to protect yourself and loved ones against ‘grandparent scams’ and more fraud
As Americans age, they are more likely to become targets for scammers seeking to steal thousands of dollars
In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 101,000 complaints by people 60 and over about a wide array of scams, according to an annual report.
Those individuals reported a loss of $3.4 billion, which is an 11% increase over 2022, the report states. The average dollar loss was $33, 915.
In North Carolina, more than 2,400 people over 60 reported complaints of scams that cost them more than $77 million, according to the same report.
Older Americans are often targeted because they are often trusting and polite, as well as typically have savings, own a home and have good credit, according to the FBI.
In addition, scammers appear to be constantly improving their pitches by using social media to obtain personal details, technology that distorts voices and telephone numbers, and ride sharing apps to serve as couriers to quickly obtain cash before people have time to question what is happening.
Last month, a Pamlico County man nearly lost $6,500 to a scam that included a Lyft driver picking up the cash hours after he agreed to send money, he thought, to bail out his grandson. Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Scott Houston said scam calls, targeting all ages, appear to be increasing in recent days.
“Unless you physically know them and see them, do not send them money,” Houston said.
While the “grandparent scam” has been around for a while, the North Carolina Department of Justice, which investigates fraud against older residents in the state, isn’t aware of any complaints that included the ride-share component, spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed wrote in an email.
The top scams reported across the United States last year included people contending they will provide customer or technical support, using the person’s personal data to obtain funds and stealing money by posing as a romantic interest or family member, according to the FBI.
How to protect yourself, your family
There are steps people can take to protect themselves or family members when scammers demand large sums of money on short notices, according to the FBI. They include:e:
Resist pressure to act quickly. Scammers use urgency to lure people into immediate action. Instead call the police if you are concerned you or your relative is in danger.
Be cautious with unsolicited phone calls, mail and people who show up at your door.
Never send money, gift cards or valuables to people or businesses you haven’t verified are legitimate.
Individuals who are in their late seventies or older should be extra careful, along with those who live alone, whose spouse recently died or was injured, according to a senior scam guide published by the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
Fraud reports typically don’t come from victims, but others who observe or learn of fraud, the guide states. Victims are often secretive about fraud transactions because they , and frequently deny such involvement, even when confronted with evidence, the guide states.
Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed, the guide states.
If you or someone you know is a victim of this and other scams, state and federal officials recommend you report them to the North Carolina Department of Justice, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and through the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
