By Rachel Giarratano, Sasha Lombardo, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, and Joyce Reid
Ms. Cohen, a 76-year-old retired teacher, was enjoying her morning coffee when she got a text message from what looked like the post office. The message said there was a problem with her package delivery and asked her to click a link to fix it. She had been expecting a package, so without thinking, she clicked the link. Within minutes, her phone started acting strangely, and later, she noticed money missing from her bank account. Ms. Cohen had fallen for a scam.
Unfortunately, scams like these are becoming more common, especially for older adults. Scammers send fake text messages or make phone calls pretending to be from government offices, banks, or delivery services. They try to trick people into giving out personal information or clicking dangerous links.
But don’t worry—there are simple ways to protect yourself!
DO This to Stay Safe
Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
If you don’t recognize a number, don’t answer. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.
Use your phone’s spam detection.
Many smartphones can warn you if a call might be spam. If you’re not sure if your phone has this feature, you can contact the phone provider or ask a trusted friend or family member to help you activate it. If your phone does not, let the calls go to voicemail.
Hang up if a caller makes you uncomfortable.
If someone on the phone asks for personal details like your date of birth, Social Security number, employment history, or financial information, and something doesn’t feel right, hang up. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Check if a call or message is real.
If someone says they’re from a company or government office, don’t take their word for it. Hang up and call the company’s official phone number to verify.
DON’T Fall for These Tricks
Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t know.
Scammers hope you’ll pick up out of curiosity. If it’s a real call, let them leave a message. If they do leave a message, review it carefully with a family member or a trusted friend.
Don’t click on links in unexpected texts or emails.
If you get a message about a package, bill, or urgent problem, go to the official website instead of clicking the link. Ms. Cohen, for example, should contact the post office directly.
Don’t share personal information.
Again, never give out your Social Security number, bank details, or other private info over the phone or through text. Scammers can use it to steal your identity.
Don’t believe urgent or scary messages.
Scammers try to pressure you by saying you’ll lose money or get in trouble if you don’t act fast. A real company or government office won’t do this.
What to Do If You Feel You Were Scammed
Scammers can be very convincing, so don’t blame yourself if it happens. The important thing is to act quickly. If you or a loved one has been affected by a scam, these U.S. Department of Justice agencies can help you.
Remember, stay alert, trust your gut, and when in doubt—don’t respond!
Rachel Giarratano, Sasha Lombardo, Ekaterina Prokofyeva and Joyce Reid are Aging Services Case Managers at JCS.
Jewish Community Services (JCS) provides programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, enhance their well-being, and maximize their independence. To learn more, visit jcsbalt.org or 410-466-9200.
