Don’t Answer That Text: Text Scams Aimed at Seniors

Unfortunately, we are getting used to scam calls and emails, and financial fraud often targets senior citizens. But now we have to be on the watch for scam texts. It’s estimated that when scammed, the average amount a person loses is $1,000.00. That’s a lot of money to throw away, especially if you’re on a strict budget. Technology and scammers frequently change their working methods, but financial text scams aimed at seniors are here to stay.

What Are Text Scams?

It can make your day to receive a text message from a loved one. That’s why text scammers target your emotions to have you give up your personal or financial information. They can sometimes try to scare you, plead with you, or offer you an incentive – don’t believe them.

Do not reply to these common financial text scams:

• A person ‘accidentally’ has the wrong number. They then encourage you to follow a link and give your credit card information to keep talking with them.
• A text says they are from the SSA, and your Social Security Number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
• A package delivery person is trying to reach you regarding a parcel. They ask you to follow a link and verify when you will be home.
• A text asks you to log into a bank website to verify a purchase or unlock your credit card.
• You are promised a refund that is owed to you, and they ask you to click on a link and give your bank information where they can deposit the money.
• A text from the Financial Care Center (FCC) says you can receive $30,000 in pandemic relief, and they need your bank information to make the deposit. These scams are similar to stimulus check scams when the pandemic first started.

These are some common financial text scams, and there are many more out there.

How to Handle a Text Scam

The best way to handle a text scam is to DO NOTHING. Do not answer the text, not even when you want to tell them to stop. When you reply, this means the scammer that they have a legitimate and working telephone number. Their next step is to sell your number to even more scammers.

NEVER give your personal or financial information on a text or from a link received from a text. The best thing to do is ignore these scams and move on with your day.

Talk to an elder law attorney if you have a vulnerable family member who you think is susceptible to financial text scams.

DuPage and Cook County Elder Law Attorney

Are you worried someone you care about may have been scammed and needs safeguards? Call us to schedule a consultation with the experienced elder law attorney at  Estate and Probate Legal Group. Call us at 630-864-5835.

AREAS WE SERVE: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties.