Website Teaches Seniors The Warming Signs Of Scams

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Scammers are always on the lookout for their next target. Some of the most vulnerable, senior citizens.

One senior care facility has created a unique way to help elders catch the warning signs before losing thousands.

Glynetta Hollings is no stranger to being scammed. In 2015, while preparing her income taxes, she was cheated by someone posing as an accountant.

Instead they took her money and her identity forcing her to file criminal charges, and leaving her feeling invaded.

“It’s like being taken somewhere and you didn’t ask to go. Like a kidnapping. They kidnapped by identity,” said Hollings.

Catching red flags can save you from losing your cash.

Home Instead Senior Care did a survey that shows a majority of seniors get online 2 to 3 times a week. With that in mind, they created a website test to educate seniors on scams.

“Scammers are assuming seniors have spent a lifetime building up wealth, so they have more to scam in the eyes of a scammer than a millennial would,” said President of Home Instead Senior Care, Ken Cope.

So we put Ms. Hollings to the test.

“I see some red flags,” said Hollings.

The website, protectseniorsonline.com has a 10 question quiz with different scam scenarios. From social media scams, phone scams, to a common one, IRS scams. Even a scam where you think it’s a family member.

“It’s school time, what are you doing over there?”

After each question the situation is broke down and explains the warning signs to you. Hollings passed with a 70%.

She says knowing what to watch for saves you more than you know.

“It can affect your future, as well as what you’re doing now. Once they invade your privacy, it takes forever to get it back,” said Hollings.

During Home Instead Senior Care’s survey, 66% of seniors said they were victims of a scam or hack. One in 10 of those, were related to an IRS scam.

“It’s a disgrace, and unfortunately many people fall for it. Many seniors fall for it everyday,” said Cope.

Having learned a few pointers, Hollings says she’s not going to be a victim again, and has advice for others like her.

“If you get an email from the IRS, it’s a scam. That’s a red flag right there,” said Hollings.

There are several ways you can protect yourself such as having passcodes on your electronic devices.

For more information on sources to help senior citizens and educate families you can visit homeinstead.com.

 

Categories: Local News

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *