Senior citizens educated on ways to avoid theft, fraud

Jones County seniors received important information about their financial safety and security during a recent presentation about financial fraud and scams.

Jeremy Cook, a security officer with Exchange Bank, gave the presentation to the Jones County Senior Center April 17. In addition to being a security officer, Cook is a member of a fraud prevention group working to spread the word about scams targeting seniors headed by Donald Black. He was invited to speak to the group by Senior Center Director Sharon Turner, who is also member of the fraud prevention group.

Attendees to the presentation were given pamphlets designed by Cook that were the product of the group meetings. The pamphlets will also be distributed at local churches and other venues.

The speaker went over the perils of talking to unknown callers and recommended ignoring calls from any caller ID not recognized. He suggested signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of unwanted calls.

“But only legitimate businesses adhere to the Do Not Call rules,” Cook added.

He went over several difference types of scams, including government imposter, grandparent and charity scams.

“The IRS will not call you. They will mail you a letter, and the sheriff is not going to call you about a warrant,” he said.

Cook said it was important to be skeptical when a caller claims to be a family member that is not recognized. He said scammers try to get their victims to send money fast.

“Don’t do it. That impulsive action gets you in trouble,” he said.

Cook said to just say “no” if anyone asks them to send a wire transfer, which is rarely used now.

“Once that money is gone, it’s gone,” he stated.

He said another way scammers try to get money is asking for gift cards. The reason for that is they are untraceable.

“Just say no. Everyone wants to help charities, but make sure it’s legitimate. There are plenty of those. Don’t give to a charity you’ve never heard of,” the speaker said.

One of Cook’s main points to the group was to never give out personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account or routing numbers.

“Deal locally and in person if possible. That’s always better,” he said.

The speaker said one of the biggest scams nationally is elder romance scams. He said, once that connection is made and they start asking for money, it can go on for decades.

Online shopping is another concern. Cook recommended only dealing with known websites and always using a credit card. Technical support scams occur when the scammer actually takes over a computer on the pretense of repairs.

“Never give computer or phone access to someone you don’t know. It’s always better to deal in person,” he emphasized.

He went over investments, phony sweepstakes scams and Medicare scams, but the bottom line was to disregard unsolicited calls.

Black added that it’s income tax time, and graduation is approaching. Both can be ways to fall victim to a scam.

Cook said the reason there are so many scams out there is because it’s big business.

“This is how these people make a living,” he said. “They have buildings full of scammers. The 2022 romance scams alone netted $2.1 billion.”