BBB Tip of the Week: Scammers targeting seniors during COVID-19 pandemic
Better Business Bureau Northwest and Pacific is receiving several reports from seniors who say they are receiving text messages from scammers posing as the U.S. Department of Health.
The message says you must take a mandatory online COVID-19 test in order to receive the recently approved stimulus payment. Other variations have been stating the seniors qualify for a payment and to click on a link to claim a check.
During this time of uncertainty, it is the ideal time for a scammer to prey on fear. The bottom line is don’t respond to a text, email or phone call from a sender that is unfamiliar, even if it looks official or as if it’s from a respected agency.
These schemes often manifest as someone impersonating a respected agency or government entity, like the Social Security Administration or police, insisting a potential victim act immediately or face consequences. In fact, a research report released by the Better Business Bureau, FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the Stanford Center on Longevity found the top reason people said they lost money was because the scammer “seemed official.”
Seniors age 65 and older reported a median loss of $350 last year when falling victim to a scam – which is more than double the loss across all age groups ($160). However, seniors 65 and older are more likely to walk away from a scam and avoid financial loss, with 1 in 4 seniors reporting a loss this past year.
With the current coronavirus pandemic, scammers will constantly change their tactics to catch people off guard. Here are some tips for seniors to protect against scams.
Don’t be afraid to contact someone. Reach out to a family member, neighbor or a company or organization you trust for advice. Research shows that individuals who are living alone or widowed, or those feeling isolated from others are more likely to engage with and lose money to scammers. If a scammer tries to keep you on the phone or rush you to a decision, hang up and ask someone for advice.
Avoid “miracle” product claims that can protect you or your home from disease. Companies targeting older consumers with products and services claiming to protect from diseases like COVID-19 are shams, without a proven cure. Don’t just believe testimonials on a company’s website; research the company and product through trusted organizations like the
Be wary of offers sounding too good to be true. They won’t help you get ahead. Scammers look for individuals looking to “catch up” or “get ahead” financially, and if your retirement was affected by the stock market’s ups and downs – don’t panic. Periods of high emotion are rarely the right time to re-evaluate your financial future. Instead, take a deep breath and contact a trustworthy broker or
Be smart and aware. Knowing about the scams out there significantly reduces the likelihood of financial loss. When someone contacts you about an “amazing opportunity,” it’s easier to separate fact from fiction.
Learn more about COVID-19 scams at