DID YOU KNOW: 1) Over $190 billion was lost to scams in 2025 (both reported and estimate of non-reported cases.) 2) Only 2-6% of scams get reported, 3) Why not report a scam? Embarrassed, Ashamed, Feel stupid for falling for it, 4) Don’t feel anything will come of it, 5) Many seniors will not listen to their adult children when they tell the senior it is a scam, & 6) Every scam has an emotion attached to it that the scammer uses to keep you from responding rationally.
Scam-Alert
PASSWORDS AND PIN NUMBERS ARE CRITICAL: 1) Change passwords regularly and use complex passwords (no names, birthdates, pet names) and change your pin code periodically, & 2) Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of security, especially with your bank or investment accounts.
TOP SCAM TARGETS – ADULTS AND SENIORS:
Companionship/romance – grooms and builds trust – provides needed companionship (digital only) and then takes money.
Imposters – law enforcement (missed jury duty), government officials needing help to investigate fraud, bank fraud department following up on your hacked accounts.
Computer virus fraud– call to get help – allow access to computer (scammer downloads all your information)
Grandparent scam – grandchild calls (can sound like him or her via AI) – in trouble – send money to get out of jail.
Sweepstakes winner – won car and lots of money – just pay taxes and service charge upfront.
Home Title Fraud – mortgage paid off – scammer contacts a realtor using fake credentials and wants a fast, digital only sale of your property.
IRS Tax Fraud – File early (scammers want to file in your name before you file). Request a PIN (personal identification number) to attach to your return so scammers can’t file without it. IRS doesn’t call you if you owe money – they send you a notice in the mail.
ID THEFT: Check your credit reports from Transunion, Equifax, and Experian (free) for any suspicious activity:
1) report to Identitytheft.gov and dispute the information on the credit report. Check these reports regularly.
2) Freeze your credit – you can still use your credit cards, but scammers cannot open cards or take loans using your name and credit. Lift the freeze temporarily if you need to open a new card or take out a loan.
3) If the scammer got your social security number or driver’s license – after you make a police report do the following:
a) Social security – create an account at socialsecurity.gov/my account to check if someone is using your social security number. Report errors to your local SSA office. Check out the E-Verify program to lock your social security number,
b) Check with the three reporting agencies to see if your child has a credit report. Put freezes on these accounts, &
c) Don’t leave any personal information or documents in your car.
TIPS TO REMEMBER
Scammers use methods of payment that are not traceable. Beware if anyone asks you to pay via these methods:
1) Bitcoin (cryptocurrency): don’t pay at a kiosk as these payments are untraceable. Note: if you have paid via this method and realize it was a scam, contact law enforcement immediately!
2) Wire transfer or Money/gift card (the code on the back is all they need to take your money), 3) Zelle, Venmo, Cash apps (only use these with your trusted friends/family),
3) Never pay over the phone or never give access to your computer or personal information,
4) Law enforcement will NEVER ask for money or personal information over the phone,
5) Never let anyone tell you “not to tell anyone” or “don’t hang up.” or never click on a link from someone you do not know, &
6) Never call the phone number provided by someone you do not know!
Article courtesy of Barbara Bennett, Chief Scambuster, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, 970-498-5146