As more and more seniors embrace technology and the ability to connect with family and friends at the touch of a button or with a few texted words, the more they are vulnerable to scams targeting them because of their naivety. Just the other day, my own mother received a text message from an unrecognizable phone number saying ‘Hi, Mom! It’s me… I dropped my phone in the pool and I’m texting you from a friend’s phone…’ Now, here in Muskoka it’s been a bitter -20 C for quite some time, and I can assure you there are no pools to drop a phone into. So it was quite easy to identify this as an attempt to deceive her into believing one of her kids sent it. But sometimes these scammers get quite creative and can be very convincing, with the ultimate goal of trying to persuade the target to send money, click a link or otherwise divulge information that puts them at risk.
So how do you protect yourself? First, recognize the telltale ‘scam’ signs:
The intro wording will vary from scam to scam, and the scammer will often use very vague references to avoid being easily exposed, but usually the text starts with ‘Hey, Mom/Dad’ and comes from a number that’s not recognized. Typically, these messages share some common clues that will help you identify them.
The message comes from an unknown number, often with an area code not local to you
There’s an element of urgency associated with the message
They don’t identify themselves with a name, but use wording like ‘It’s me…’ hoping the recipient will provide the name of the person they think is texting
A plausible reason for them using a strange phone is provided, such as ‘My phone went for a swim…’
The recipient is then asked to use an alternative or unfamiliar communication app, such as WhatsApp
Then they are asked to send money or provide personal bank account details
As many of these scams originate in foreign countries, the messages are often laden with poor spelling and grammar
If you’ve been the target of a scam attempt, there are some things you should do, and some things you should NOT do!
DO:
Block the number from which the text originated. This is the easiest and most direct way to ensure there are no further attempts from that number
Let your family and friends know what happened so they are clear when text you who they are
Review where your phone number and other contact information can be found, and limit who can see it
Learn about the various ways scammers and crooks are trying to dupe you - there’s truly no end to their creativity, but the best way to identify the is to know what they’re up to before they attempt to scam you
Report the event to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which uses the information for public awareness and anti-fraud technology
DO NOT:
Under no circumstances should you click a link, image or otherwise interact with the text
Don’t engage in conversation with the person as you may inadvertently open yourself up to risk
by Shannon Donnelly