Protect Yourself From the Newest Scams Targeting Seniors

Scammers are everywhere and they are getting more clever all the time. Educating yourself about the most recent threats is the best way to avoid falling for them. Two of the most recent are Artificial Intelligence (AI) Voice impersonations and Medicare fraud. Scroll down for even more resources.

Artificial Intelligence has evolved to the point a scammer can mimic the voice of a loved one and make it say whatever they want.

What it looks like: You receive a call from a child, grandchild, or other relative who needs money now. They sound exactly like your loved one and they will hold a normal conversation with you. 

What’s happening: The scammer is using AI technology and a snippet of your loved ones voice pulled from something they’ve posted on social media such as a video that includes their voice. AI tools allow the scammer to use that same voice, but make it say anything they like.

Red flags: They need the money now or something terrible will happen. They tell you to not tell anyone else so they don’t get in trouble. They will use fear and emotional pressure to get you to act without verifying it’s real.

Solution: Hang up and call that loved one directly or someone who lives with them and verify the situation.

Medicare Fraud  Scammers will use various tactics to get your card number.

What it look like: You’ll get a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare asking for you to verify your card number or other personal information in order to qualify for free benefits, a new benefit card that will allow you to get free groceries, or some other new benefit.

What’s happening: The scammer is trying to get your information to steal your identity, obtain Medicare benefits for themselves, or bill Medicare for fake treatments.

Red Flags: Medicare will never call you unless you called them first and asked for a call back. The scammer will use high pressure tactics or even threats to get your information.

Solution: Hang up! You do not need to be polite or kind. These are terrible people who steal millions every year from people who can least afford it. 

Remember – never share personal information, bank account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, birth date, address, Medicare numbers or other information with people who call you out of the blue.