Retired Couple Lost Everything in Disgusting Criminal Scam. Here’s How You Can Avoid the Same Fate.

Unfortunately, criminals looking to prey on the elderly are never in short supply. While Americans work for years to build up savings, some, like this retired couple, lose everything in only minutes. It is all too common a story and one that everyone should be aware of.

Arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to avoid scams. There are a variety of types of scams out there that are designed to steal people’s hard-earned money. While they may differ in certain ways, they share common threads. These scams will typically try to get the victim to give personal information or money.

By collecting personal information. scammers are able to access bank accounts and other means of stealing from their victims. In cases like the example below, they trick the victims into actually sending the scammer money.

A California retired couple received a phone call claiming to be from the “California Gaming Commission” saying that they had won a $1.7 million prize. The catch was that they had to send money orders and cash to cover taxes and fees before the “winnings” could be released. It is important to understand that this sort of thing is always a scam.

No real prize-awarding organization will require “winners” to send them money. Read more about this story here from KXNET.com. Unfortunately, many do not know how to identify these scams. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid getting scammed.

Tips to Avoid Scams

• Be skeptical of unexpected “prizes.” If you don’t remember entering a contest, chances are, you didn’t win anything.
• Do not give out personal information over the phone or online.
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know. Keep in mind, however, scammers are good at sounding legit.
• Report any suspected scam calls to your state Attorney General’s office.

Of course, these tips are not guaranteed protection. It is important to remain vigilant, however, keeping these things in mind can save the day.

Unfortunately, these kind of scams often target the elderly. While older Americans are often victims of these criminals, they are also some of the most valuable members of our society. Those who lived through WW II and Korea deserve more. This is why we support the Greatest Generation Benefits Act. Please take a moment to read more about this bill and sign our petition here.