Elder Financial Scams
Scams happening by phone, text or email take hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people every year. This page is designed to help you know how to react if you’re being targeted by one of these scams or report the crime if you think you may have been a victim.
Government agencies, banks, credit cards and the police will never ask you for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or cash.
Stop
Hang up. Slow down. DO NOT send money because someone scares, threatens or pressures you.
Verify
Call a trusted family member or YOUR bank/credit union using the number on the back of YOUR credit or debit card.
DON’T GO ONLINE TO VERIFY. THE WEBSITE MAY BE PART OF THE SCAM.
Protect
Never give an unexpected caller or person your password, PIN, security code, account information, money or other valuables. No reputable company will ever ask for this.
Warning Signs
Here are some red flags that the person on the phone may be a scammer.
UNEXPECTED
A call, text or email asking you to make a payment for something you’re not aware of or from an unknown number.
FEAR
“Your grandson has been arrested.” (Think about using a Safe Word to verify who you are talking to)
URGENCY
“You must pay right now.”
SECRECY
“Don’t tell your family or your bank.”
PAYMENT
Immediate requests for money or unusual payment.
SECURITY CODE
“Read me the code we just sent you.”
Common Scams
FAKE POLICE CALL
A caller says a loved one is in trouble and demands immediate bail money.
FAKE BANK CALL
A caller claims your account is under attack and asks for a security code or password.
FAKE CALL THAT YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN HACKED
A caller says your computer has been hacked; your computer screen flashes a warning and asks you to click on a link that allows the scammer to take over your computer.
FAKE ONLINE ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP
Someone builds trust, then claims an emergency and asks for money while demanding secrecy.
Report a suspected scam
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, report it immediately.
Dial 9-1-1 if the crime is happening now; the suspect is present or expected imminently; you are being threatened, restrained, followed, or coerced; immediate danger exists; or emergency medical care is needed.
Call SDPD’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 619-963-9900 or the non-emergency line at 619-531-2000, for a crime that has already been committed, no suspect is present, and there is no immediate threat.