This September, the Naperville Police Department is focusing its Safer Naper campaign on senior safety. Throughout the month, we will cover scams targeting Naperville’s older population, mental health resources for seniors and caregivers, and NPD programs available to seniors.
Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2024, adults ages 60 and over reported losing millions to scammers pretending to be from trusted government agencies and businesses. Nationally as well as locally, there has been a significant increase in losses reported by older adults to these types of impersonation scams. While younger persons also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report extraordinarily high losses, even losing their entire life savings.
The scams generally involve someone contacting consumers to alert them to a fake and urgent problem and then proceeding to try to persuade them to transfer their money to “keep it safe.” In reality, the money is being sent directly to the scammer.
Here are some common scenarios (a.k.a. lies) scammers use:
- Someone is using your accounts: The scammers claim to be from your bank or a well-known company like Amazon and are contacting you to flag suspicious activity on your account.
- Your information is being used to commit crimes: Scammers claim to be a government officer warning that your Social Security Number or some other information is being used to commit a crime such as drug smuggling or money laundering.
- There’s a security problem with your computer: These scams often start with a fake on-screen security alert that looks like it’s from Microsoft or Apple with a number to call. If you call, they say your online accounts have been hacked.
With all the complicated scams out there that are constantly changing, it’s important for older adults to stay diligent in understanding what scams are out there, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to avoid falling for them.
- Don’t move money to “protect it.” Never transfer or send money to anyone, no matter who they say they are, in response to an unexpected call or message.
- Hang up and verify. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency or business, contact the company or agency using a phone number or website you know is real. Don’t trust the phone number or name they provide.
- Resist the pressure to act immediately. They will use scare tactics and pressure you to keep the information secret, hoping not to foil the scam.
For more examples of scams, to delve deeper into mental health resources, and to learn about local programs available for seniors, visit www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper.
Until month… stay safe and stay aware.
