Could it be a SCAM?

Sometimes scammers will pressure you to take out large amounts of cash or wire it.  Fraudsters can be very convincing and may even threaten you. It’s important to ask yourself these questions. If you answered “yes” to any of them, it is possible you have been scammed.  Don’t be embarrassed because this can happen to anyone! Confide in family, a friend or your banker to help you.
 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Is someone requesting you go to the bank to withdrawal cash or wire money to them?  Do they insist on staying on the phone with you while you are at the bank? 

• Are you sending this money to a family member?  It’s possible their phone number has been spoofed.  Did you call that family member back to confirm this request?

• Have you met someone online recently through a dating site or social media? Are they requesting you send them money or help you invest your money?

• Has anyone asked you to keep this withdrawal a secret? 

• Did they tell you not to tell the bank or family what this money is for? 

• Did they give you a story to tell the bank?

• Are you being told your money is at risk or that you need to move it quickly?

• Are you being threatened?

• Are they telling you that you owe a lot of money and are in trouble? 

• Did they say you owe back taxes or that you have stuff on your computer that could get you into legal trouble?

• Did they ask you to buy gift cards, wire money, or send cash through the mail or via UPS/FedEx?

• Are they promising you winnings, prizes or investment returns if you pay this money to them first?

What do I do now?

• DON’T send the money.  Never send money to someone you don’t know, even if they claim it is an emergency.

• Block the caller from your phone

• Do a reverse image search of their profile pictures – see if their image belongs to someone else or has been reported as a scam.

• Talk to a trusted family member, friend or your banker – tell them what is happening.

• Report the scam:

  • To the social media platform or dating site 

  • Local law enforcement

  • AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline 833-372-8311