BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It’s rampant: robocalls, texts, and social media scams — older adults are especially vulnerable.
They may be fraudulently and financially exploited, devastating if they are not able to earn back what they’ve lost.
But there are ways to protect yourself.
“Typically, what we see around here is they piece together bits of information they’re able to find on these people, and they use that little bit of information to gain more information while speaking with them,” said Beckley Police Department Sgt. Jamie Wilhite. “That leads them to believe this may be a legitimate call, and may send them money or something.”
As soon as you sign up for an online service of any kind, the next thing you know, you’re receiving a dozen phone calls for this or that.
“What these scam artists want is for you to go to a local smoke shop, vape shop, tobacco shop, or sometimes Sam’s Club and buy what’s known as Green Dot cash cards, load money onto them and then send them the information off the card,” Wilhite said. “That way it’s transferred electronically instantly, and there’s no getting that money back.”
Too often, senior citizens are targeted by scammers, who think they’re ignorant when it comes to today’s computers, technology and mobile phones…
“Facebook especially needs some type of outlet to let them know when you’ve been hacked. A few months ago, I lost my husband and put the arrangements on there. After that it was worse, as far as the scamming is concerned,” said Lewisburg Resident Juanita Barber. “I guess maybe the older population also posts losses and things like that on there, and they think you’re very vulnerable.”
Beckley Police say there are even instances of scam artists asking you to purchase GameStop Bitcoin, which is not a legitimate way to send money. They reel you in with ‘we got your grandchild or child who needs to be bailed out.’
“And we need $5,000; we’ve got the IRS collecting debt. We’re getting tollbooth scams now, x amount of money or we’re going to put a lien on you,” Wilhite said. “Ridiculous the amount of work these people go through to try to scam one or two people a day, five or six people a week, and that’s essentially how they’re earning their living.”
Getting scammed for a few hundred or a couple of thousand dollars could mean the difference between eating for the month or not.
“When you’re targeting a certain audience or age group, the grandparents will do anything for their grandchild, anything. And I think that’s what (the scammers) feed and prey on,” said the police sergeant. “So ask questions without giving out any personal information and try to get as much information as you can. But I can assure you that no legitimate business or system operates the way these people are operating.”
According to Barber, she even received a call from a guy who said he noticed she had a computer virus.
“I said, well, my son is a computer tech. Thank you for letting me know. But a lot of people believe that. So it’s real sad that they would target the seniors.”
