BROOKVILLE — Area senior citizens recently learned about the many ways unsuspecting people can be robbed of thousands of dollars in a Scam Jam program presented by the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging.
Speakers discussed everything from warning signs to resources available to help seniors spot and avoid financial fraud and scams.
Brookville Police Chief Vince Markle told the group the number one thing scammers are after is one’s social security number.
“You only get one,” he said. “Don’t give it out. People panic,” he said. “Don’t give out your personal information.”
He said last year, scammers took over $7.7 billion from victims.
Some of the warning signs of a scam that he discussed are:
• When a scammer calls, they say it is urgent. They want your money right now.
• Scammers ask for payments in gift cards, because they cannot be traced.
• When you receive a call from Western Union, hang up.
• Always have a secret code word with loved ones. When you get the urgent call, if they don’t know the code word, hang up.
• Be careful if a stranger offers you a thumb drive; it can be used to steal all your personal information.
• Be very cautious when using Bitcoin payments.
• If you don’t know the person who is calling, it’s okay to hang up. Don’t be afraid not to answer your phone. If you aren’t sure, call a family member or friend.
• Be cautious of romance scammers. “People get lonely and want to talk, and end up getting scammed,” he said. “Those scammers always have reasons for needing more money and excuses for never meeting personally.”
Markle said scammers “are so hard to catch, because usually they are in another country.”
Veterans
Jonathan Wyble, director of Jefferson County’s Veterans Service Office (VSO), cautioned seniors about scammers claiming to be from the VA office.
He said, “A lot of scammers will flash VA on their material (radio, shows, mail, etc.) and veterans and their spouses will think that it is endorsed by the VA; it is not. Veterans are entitled to a lot of benefits and scammers, predators, and others will use what veterans/spouses do not know to take advantage of them. Bottom line, if it appears too good to be true, it likely is.”
He emphasized that any veteran having questions or concerns should visit his office or another accredited VSO.
Wyble said, “Questions, claim filing, and applying for benefits is absolutely free through the Jefferson County VSO office. Veterans/spouses need not be from Jefferson County or Pennsylvania. We are nationally accredited and can assist any U.S. veteran from any place.”
He added, “Retaining a company or law office who claims to file for your disability benefits can charge veterans ranging from $2,000 to $30,000. We caution to know what you are getting involved in and signing up for. Any accredited VSO from Pennsylvania does not charge at all.”
Wyble also said, “The real VA will not call” except “in special circumstances. Going through our office, the veteran will be notified first by our office. The real VA uses mail correspondence with official letter head on both envelope and letter, not post cards, flyers and other junk type mail.”
Fraud
Dave Shallcross, director of the Senior Protection Unit and education and outreach specialist for the Attorney General’s office, and Katrina Boyer from the PA Department of Banking and Securities, talked about ways to protect yourself from fraud. Some of their tips include:
• Always use black gel ink when writing a check. The residue it leaves” when someone tries to wash the check and re-use it for their personal gain “will make the check unusable.”
• Check your credit reports regularly and look for accounts you don’t recognize.
• f you did not enter the lottery or a sweepstakes, you did not win. If you become a victim, report it immediately.
• Learn more about fraud and identity theft at www.ftc.gov, the website for the Federal Trade Commission. If you think you are the victim of identity theft, learn how to report it at www.identitytheft.gov.‘
Fraud Bingo
Seniors learned easy to remember tips for recognizing fraud and scammers when Mary Bach, a consumer advocate for AARP, called the numbers for Fraud Bingo games.
Protection
Scott Rendos, director of outpatient services at Community Guidance Center and Annette Town, protective services supervisor for the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging, talked about services available to seniors.
Rendos reviewed drug and alcohol, as well as mental health services offered.
Town said, “We look at all avenues of abuse,” relating the story of a client whose caregiver took advantage of his poor health to steal from his bank account. “Make sure the person on your checking account is trustworthy,” she said.
She also encouraged everyone to check on neighbors, friends and family. “If you have a concern, give us a call. Without you, we don’t know.”
Molly McNutt, executive director of the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging, said, “Events like this play an important role in raising awareness about elder abuse, scams, neglect, and exploitation while providing valuable resources for older adults and their families. Protecting the dignity, safety, and independence of our seniors is a responsibility we all share. We appreciate everyone who helped make this educational event possible.”
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