Mentor detectives report that scams targeting seniors are at an all-time high, despite repeated warnings. In our city alone, they receive 2 to 3 reports weekly. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg—about 87% of these scams go unreported, often due to embarrassment.
You may have seen the recent headline: a Mentor woman lost her life savings of over $660,000 to a cryptocurrency scam after a “wrong-number” text turned into a friendship. In another case, a Mentor couple lost over $45,000 after clicking a pop-up warning on their iPad claiming their bank account was compromised. The husband called the provided number, and a scammer posing as a bank officer convinced him to withdraw funds.
If you think it can’t happen to you, they thought the same.
Scammers are bolder and more sophisticated than ever, impersonating authority figures like government agents, bank officers, or even law enforcement. They prey on seniors, exploiting their trust and vulnerability. Starting small, they quickly escalate demands, using coercion to pressure victims—knowing time is critical with each target.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Here are few things to keep in mind if someone you don’t know reaches out to you.
DON’T PICK UP
If you receive a phone call or text from someone you don’t know, don’t answer it.
JUST HANG UP
If someone gets you on the line and tells you that your account has been compromised or some other story which requires immediate action and/or secrecy, simply hang up. Legitimate businesses or government agencies won’t call with urgent demands or ask you to keep it secret from family or real employees.
DON’T CLICK THAT LINK
If you get a pop-up on your computer that says your computer, phone, or tablet has been compromised, don’t click the link or call the number that is presented Instead, run your antivirus. If that doesn’t work, turn it off and take it to a trusted family member or friend, or a reputable bricks-and-mortar computer specialist.
VERIFY IT YOURSELF
If you get a suspicious call, text, or email, verify it by contacting the official/published number or visiting the real website. Never use the number or link they provide.
SAY NO TO GIFT CARDS & BITCOIN
A legitimate business or government agency will NEVER ask for payment via gift card or cryptocurrency under any circumstance. Scammers prefer gift cards because they are practically untraceable. Once they have your number, your money is gone. The only reason to ever purchase a gift card is as a gift for a loved one.
KEEP YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION….PERSONAL
Your personal information is just as valuable as your money. By submitting your name, address, social security number and other data, scammers have everything they need to open an account using your identity.
IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE…IT IS
That “exclusive” crypto investment? It’s a 100% chance of losing your money. (Elon Musk doesn’t need your investment—he’s doing fine.)
IF IT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT…IT’S NOT
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, stop the conversation and involve police or family.
ACT FAST IF YOU’RE HIT
If you had a momentary lapse of judgement, report the incident immediately. There may be an opportunity to stop a transaction through your bank or bitcoin but those chance decrease by the minute. Mentor detectives say these scams often originate out of state, with funds funneled to offshore accounts. Recovery is rare, but reporting early improves your odds. The longer you wait, the closer your chances drop to zero.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Protect yourself and your loved ones. If your car were stolen, you’d report it instantly—treat your money and personal info the same way. If you’re unsure, call the Mentor Police Department at 440-255-1234.