Internet and phone scams targeting older adults are a growing problem in the US, with significant increases in both reported complaints and financial losses. And Collegeville is no exception. Scammers target our seniors due to their potential for having significant savings, for being more trusting, and to exploit their loneliness, lack of computer skills, and possible cognitive decline.
If you or someone in your family receives an e-mail, text, or call, and you are worried about whether it is legitimate, you can call our police and ask for their help.
It is obviously much easier for our police to help you determine the legitimacy of a site or call in the first place rather than to help you to try to get your money or data back, after you have already fallen for the ruse.
If you suspect there may be something “off” about a website, e-mail, or call, do not click on it or open it! Never give out personal information or send money if you are not certain of the source. You can call our police at (610) 489-9332, or stop by the police station at Collegeville Borough Hall to ask an officer to help you ascertain the source’s legitimacy.
The most common types of online and phone fraud include phishing, tech support scams, and business email compromise (BEC).
Phishing is a broad category of scams, often involving deceptive emails, texts, or calls that trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations like banks or social media sites. They trick individuals into revealing personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details.
Tech support scams prey on users’ computer issues. These scams involve fraudsters posing as representatives from tech companies like Microsoft or Apple to help with computer issues, often claiming a virus is present. These scams can start with unsolicited phone calls, emails, or even pop-up messages on your computer.
Business E-mail Compromise (BEC). BEC scams target businesses by impersonating a trusted source, like a vendor or executive, to trick employees into sending money to a fraudulent account. These scams often involve a well-crafted email that appears to be from a legitimate source, requesting a wire transfer or other financial transaction.
Other scams include:
Fake e-commerce sites or auction sites selling products that are never delivered or are significantly different from what was advertised;
Romance scams–Scammers create fake online relationships, most often on Facebook, to gain trust and eventually solicit money from their victims;
Social Security, Medicare or IRS scams, where the scammers impersonate government officials and threaten account suspension or offer increased benefits in exchange for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account information.
Lottery and prize scams, where callers claim that you have won a prize but require upfront payment for taxes or fees; and
Malware installation, in which scammers insert malicious software designed to steal information or damage systems onto your computer.
