Fraud Alert: ACL Warns of New Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults

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The Administration for Community Living (ACL)’s Eldercare Locator and Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL) are trusted resources that help connect older adults and people with disabilities with resources in their community. In recent days, Eldercare Locator has noted a significant increase in people reporting they have been targeted by scam phone calls. This includes reports of callers claiming to be from “Eldercare,” “Eldercare Locator,” “Social Security,” or “Medicare”; callers asking for personal information such as someone's Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number; and callers demanding payment, threatening jail time, or fines.
 
Here are some important reminders:

1. The government will never call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number.
2. The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
3. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.

These general tips can also help everyone protect themselves:

• If you are ever suspicious about a call, hang up immediately. Find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID), and call or email them directly to discuss the situation.
• Never give out your Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
• Never pay someone you do not know well via gift card or wire transfer.
• Never click on an email link or attachment, unless you fully trust the sender.
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.

 
Older adults who are targeted by scams and fraud can call the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). In addition, scams and fraud targeting people of any age can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

 

SOURCE/MORE: ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING>>