Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BigmanPigman

(52,266 posts)
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 02:45 AM Jan 2024

Be careful of scammers over the phone and computer

https://www.nbcsandiego.com/nbc-7-responds-2/chula-vista-grandmother-tricked-into-wiring-nearly-150000-to-stranger/3407732/

People are continuing to be scammed out of large sums of money by fraudsters who stalk seniors into giving them their financial information and transfer money illegally.

My very alert mother was scammed a few years ago and fortunately her neighbor, who she called to take her to her bank, was suspicious and stopped her before she did anything.

I received scam from Wells Fargo on my computer a few years ago and again by Verizon on my phone machine. Wells Fargo and Verizon can do nothing to stop this practice. I was told that India and China do not do anything to stop scammers who originate in those countries. It is up to you to be vigilant.

My supermarket even does public announcements warning shoppers of theses scammers. I had hoped the scams were stopping, or at least decreasing, but obviously they have not.
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Be careful of scammers over the phone and computer (Original Post) BigmanPigman Jan 2024 OP
They can clone voices Puppyjive Jan 2024 #1
the best advice is DON'T CLICK ON ANY LINKS Skittles Jan 2024 #2
Exactly... If they contact you via phone or computer GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO VERYFY.. and not via the link mitch96 Jan 2024 #8
My hairstylist's mom callous taoboy Jan 2024 #3
They told my mom that my niece was in jail. BigmanPigman Jan 2024 #4
That happened to a colleague of mine- callous taoboy Jan 2024 #5
I am suspicious of everyone these days. BigmanPigman Jan 2024 #6
And why exactly should the bank question PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2024 #9
we're receiving many scam texts lately Brainstormy Jan 2024 #7

Skittles

(159,374 posts)
2. the best advice is DON'T CLICK ON ANY LINKS
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 04:18 AM
Jan 2024

LOG INTO YOUR BANK through their website if you need to do any business or get information

mitch96

(14,659 posts)
8. Exactly... If they contact you via phone or computer GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO VERYFY.. and not via the link
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 01:25 PM
Jan 2024

"they" sent you...YOU type in the url for the bank...
works for me..
m

callous taoboy

(4,673 posts)
3. My hairstylist's mom
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 04:29 AM
Jan 2024

was bilked out of 30K. The scammers took her for 15K, then the following week got her to hand over another 15K, all in cash. Hairstylist is furious with the bank for not questioning why she was withdrawing large sums like that. My weekly small town newspaper has a fraud section in its police reporting, and I am amazed that so many people are falling for the “You’ve won a car: We just need some cash up front for shipping fees” type scam.

BigmanPigman

(52,266 posts)
4. They told my mom that my niece was in jail.
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 04:57 AM
Jan 2024

Somehow they had details that tricked her. I found this odd since she and my dad told me years ago that stuff from the Dept of Treasury, Social Security and tax info. is never done over the phone and to never fall for it. Maybe after my dad died she was more vulnerable emotionally.

callous taoboy

(4,673 posts)
5. That happened to a colleague of mine-
Fri Jan 19, 2024, 05:06 AM
Jan 2024

Claimed that her son, newly enrolled in college, was in jail, demanded that she fork over bond money before she could speak to him. She almost fell for it but the son happened to have called his dad right before the scam call. I’ve gotten a couple of phishing texts lately, one supposedly from my internet provider claiming that I owed money. I called internet provider directly and they said I was golden.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,727 posts)
9. And why exactly should the bank question
Mon Jan 22, 2024, 11:15 PM
Jan 2024

those withdrawals? Keep in mind that persons at the bank are not looking at the many thousands of withdrawals that occur every week, perhaps even every day. It's the account holder who needs to be aware, be informed, understand what's going on.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»Be careful of scammers ov...