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ROUTING NUMBER: 307070050
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ROUTING NUMBER: 307070050
By K-Staff
When it comes to an ideal victim, a scammer wants someone who is easily manipulated and who will trust easily. Unfortunately for seniors, this means they can be seen as a perfect target. Many seniors must be more aware of current trends to avoid scammer attacks.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Sentinel Network Data Book for 2021 has reported that those 70-plus have reported losing more money to scammers than their younger counterparts, $800 vs. $500, and those over 80 have reported losing close to $1,500. YIKES!
Whether you’re a senior citizen or a caretaker of one, here are a few scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself or a friend/family member from these scammers’ common tactics.
Phishing attempts use email and other methods to steal personal information, such as financial details or account passwords. We call this type of scam “phishing” because these scammers throw out their “bait” and hope someone will catch it.
Phishing scams can be highly effective because scammers can create fake emails and websites very cleverly. It’s essential to be vigilant and watch for anything that looks off.
This scam is complicated because a scammer will take advantage of what many seniors hold dear, their grandchildren. It might go a little something like this:
Scammer: “Hi, Grandma. Do you know who this is?”
Grandma: “Hi. Is this you, John?”
Scammer: “Yes, Grandma, it’s John. I’m stuck in jail and need money to help bail me out.”
Grandma: “Oh goodness. How can I help?”
Scammer: “Can you wire transfer my money or send me a few gift cards?”
Grandma: “Of course!”
It can be somewhat scary when you’re in this situation. However, it’s essential to remain calm and trust your instincts. A good rule of thumb is to verify with another family member that knows the whereabouts of the person the scammer is impersonating.
Seniors are usually slower to adopt new technology, leaving them less educated to identify a scam.
Stay vigilant. No reputable tech company will contact you unexpectedly or ask you to pay through gift cards or a bank transfer. If you receive a phone call that appears to be from a reputable company, check the phone number on their website and call them directly.
Unfortunately, some people might want to take advantage of you, but there are ways you can stay safe and avoid becoming a victim.
If you’ve become a victim, you can report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Kirtland CU will NEVER contact you asking for your banking credentials.
Routing Number: 307070050
6440 Gibson Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Federally insured by NCUA Equal Opportunity Lender