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Hello,
As we step into the fall season, I want to share some important safety reminders. This month, we'll focus on protecting our seniors from fraud. Unfortunately, scammers continue to target older adults with increasingly sophisticated schemes. Protecting our seniors from fraud is a community effort. Here are some essential tips to help prevent elder fraud:
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Watch out for Fake Calls and Emails. Scammers often pose as officials from banks, Medicare, or the IRS and ask for personal information or money. Always remember that the first step to safety is caution. Verify the caller's or email sender's identity by contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number.
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Be Skeptical of Unusual Payment Requests: If anyone asks for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it's likely a scam. Legitimate organizations do not request these forms of payment.
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Don't Rush into Decisions: Scammers pressure their victims into making quick decisions. Take your time, talk to a trusted friend or family member, and thoroughly verify any requests or offers.
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Guard Your Personal Information: Never give out your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information over the phone or online unless you initiate the contact and know who you are dealing with.
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Monitor Financial Activity: Encourage your loved ones to check their bank accounts and credit card statements regularly for suspicious activity. Early detection can prevent significant financial losses.
If you suspect you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, remember, you're not alone. Report it to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and let us help you.
I invite all of you to a Virtual Chat with the Chief on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. It's an informal setting, so grab your coffee or tea, and take a few minutes to pop in on Zoom to ask me any questions you may have. We are also excited to announce our first-ever Chill with the COPS on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Flyers with all the details are included below. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing you all at one or both events!
Respectfully,
Chief Rick Greenberg
American Canyon Police Department
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