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fix a software problem , then use that access to steal personal or financial information .
• Government Imposter . The fraudster may tell the victim they owe a debt that must be paid immediately or face arrest , asset seizure or termination of benefits .
• Grandparent . An elaborate story is given by phone and sometimes involves a voice print of an actual grandchild , claiming a loved one is in trouble and needs money to be protected .
Scams That Offer Something Too Good to Be True :
• Investment . The scammer makes claims of a high-return investment
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to trick the victim into giving them money , often asking to be paid in an unconventional way , like cryptocurrency , where there ’ s little to no chance of recovering the funds .
• Romance . The scammer develops a fake identity and creates the illusion of a romantic relationship to manipulate or steal from the victim .
• Lottery / Sweepstakes . Scammers make contact by phone or mail to tell the victim they ’ ve won the lottery or a sweepstakes but claim the elder has to remit a processing fee before they can get their prize .
Take Protective Measures and Stay Alert
The most effective way
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of preventing fraud is to pause when being rushed and take time to verify the legitimacy of both the person making contact and their claims . To reduce the odds of your voice being cloned , experts suggest exercising caution when speaking on the phone with strangers . If someone unfamiliar contacts you , disconnect from the original communication channel , verify their identity , then attempt to make contact through a different channel . For instance , hang up the phone , get a number for the company , government agency or family member from a trusted source ( such as a company ’ s official website ) and use that to call back and verify . |
When it comes to scammers that establish a relationship over time , verify legitimacy using third-party resources before investing . Be leery of anyone asking for nontraditional payment forms , and when logic may be clouded by romantic feelings , confide in someone you trust for an objective opinion .
To learn more about cyber fraud , visit PNC Bank ’ s Security & Privacy Center for educational resources .
If you believe you or someone you love has been a victim of fraud , contact the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime ’ s National Elder Fraud Hotline website or call 1-833-FRAUD11 .
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