The Tech 4 Seniors group would like to warn you of the most recent computer and cell phone frauds targeting all age groups, especially our age group. These frauds are sophisticated and use the latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). One of our members, Rosalie Ingle, found a very valuable guide to avoiding scams. It is attached. Please review it monthly and remember, if a text or email message seems sketchy, delete it. Do not open it.. If you need additional assistance, please contact me or any of our members. If you would like to be placed on our email list, attend one of our meetings and you will be added. Our meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the clubhouse.
Thank you.
Scott Hillis
Tech 4 Seniors Facilitator
scott.hillis2013@gmail.com
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS (Please share this information with your family)
- If you get the “Grandma, I need help” phone call, ask the person if they are “a name of someone NOT in your family”. If they say “yes”, you know it is a scam.
- Join the National do not call list at “donotcall.gov”. (This does not stop scammers but it helps with real callers.)
- You can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at gov/complaint.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member about the offer first. A real company will welcome their input.
- Instruct your callers to leave a message and you will call them back on your outgoing voice mail message.
- Only answer calls where you know who is calling. Otherwise, let the call go to your voice mail and listen later.
- Scammers can have any number show up in your Caller ID.
- Get information in writing or by email before you agree to buy anything.
IT IS PROBABLY A SCAM IF…
- You get a call from someone you don’t know who is trying to sell you something you had not planned to buy – Just say “No Thanks” and hang up. Only buy from people where YOU have initiated the call.
- They pressure you about giving up personal information – like your credit card or social Security number – just hang up.
- “You’ve been specially selected for this offer.”
- You will get a free bonus if you buy our product now.
- You’ve won one of five valuable prizes.
- You’ve won big money in a foreign lottery.
- This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere else.
- You have to make up your mind right away.
- You trust me, right? (Do you even know this person?)
- You don’t need to check our company with anyone.
- We’ll just put the shipping and handling charges on your credit card. (BIG WARNING)
- We can help you get rid of this problem – for a fee.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE OFFERS:
- Travel Packages – free or low-cost vacations
- Credit and loans at very low interest rates.
- Sham or exaggerated business and investment opportunities.
- Charitable causes – especially after a natural disaster.
- Political causes – YOU always initiate the call for this.
- Extended car warranties.
- “FREE” trial offers – You have to remember to cancel the follow-up order.
- Your information is all over the internet – we can help you.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THEM:
- If it I free, why are you asking me to pay?
- Why am I “confirming” my account information if you already have it. (You give me the information you have.)
- NEVER agree to buy cards of any kind to pay for something.
LEARN ABOUT SCAMS:
- There are scam warning videos all over You Tube.
- Join a group like KimKomando.com.