March 13, 2024 | Aging Life Care
As tax season approaches, it’s not just the paperwork that older adults need to worry about. Cyber scammers are ramping up their efforts to prey on seniors, often impersonating government representatives to swindle the unsuspecting. In this digital age, it’s crucial for seniors and their loved ones to safeguard their financial well-being and personal information.
Impersonating government representatives is a common tactic for scammers. These fraudsters use the trust we have in the IRS or Social Security Administration to trick people out of money and information. Posing as government representatives, these scammers might call, email, or even text their victims. Their goal is to steal personal data (like financial or identity information) or trick people into sending money directly (to “pay off” owed “debts,” for example). They may threaten consequences if people do not act, like arresting the individual, taking assets such as a house, or ending benefits such as Social Security checks. These rip-offs are on the rise: Losses from scams rose from $178.3 million in 2019 to $1.3 billion in 2023.
Scam examples and how to protect yourself
Swindlers can be very clever and are always creating new ways to deceive people. Here are three of the most common.
- Social Security number scam: Scammers may call seniors claiming there’s been suspicious activity involving their Social Security number. They claim that if immediate action isn’t taken then there may be legal action or suspension of benefits. Seniors should remember that government agencies will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone. If you get a call like this, hang up! Don’t provide personal information over the phone. Instead, independently connect with the Social Security Administration using official contact information to verify the legitimacy of the call.
- Tax refund scam: During tax season, scammers often target seniors with promises of large tax refunds. They may send fake emails or call, claiming to be from the IRS. They always request personal information to process the refund. A new scheme this year involves a cardboard envelope from a delivery service with a letter saying it’s “in relation to your unclaimed refund.” Despite the IRS logo, the contact information and phone number do not belong to the IRS. So, be cautious of unsolicited communications. The IRS will never start a contact via email, text, or social media. Be skeptical of any unexpected communication about tax matters and refrain from clicking on links or providing personal information.
- Medicare scam: Posing as Medicare representatives, scammers contact seniors, offering new benefits or claiming that their current coverage is expiring. They may request personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security numbers, under the guise of updating records. This fraudulent activity tends to ramp up during the yearly Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) when beneficiaries can review their coverage and make changes.
It’s important to always guard your personal information. Don’t share Medicare or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you are the one to start the call. Real Medicare representatives have access to existing information and will not require seniors to provide sensitive details.
Encouraging older adults to stay informed and educated about these swindles can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Remember, when in doubt, verify before divulging any sensitive information, and always trust your instincts when something seems suspicious.
Our Aging Life Care Managers can help
Windward’s Aging Life Care Managers support our clients in many ways, including locating professional tax preparers and assisting with gathering documents. While we can’t file for a client, we can support them throughout the process. Especially important: We can help review their mail and email to filter out potential scams.