Scams targeting seniors are escalating at an alarming rate, leaving countless victims in their wake. Mentor detectives report receiving two to three complaints weekly, but this barely scratches the surface on the real problem. It is estimated that up to 87% of cases go unreported – mostly due to embarrassment of the victims.
Regardless of whether a scam is initiated via phone, text, or email, scammers overwhelmingly favor gift cards as their preferred payment method. The reason is simple: gift cards are virtually untraceable. Once a scammer obtains your card number and PIN, your money is gone. Unlike bank transfers or credit card payments, which can sometimes be reversed, gift card transactions offer no such protection.
It’s critical to remember that no legitimate business, government agency, or utility company will ever demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Such requests are a glaring red flag.
If it doesn’t sound right, it’s not. Disconnect from the conversation and let a trusted family member or friend know what is happening or contact the Mentor Police Department directly at 440-255-1234 for guidance.
Remember – the only reason to ever purchase a gift card is as a gift for a loved one.