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In a telemarketing scam, a telephone caller tells elderly people they are due for an increase in social security payments. The scam artists have been targeting older adults in Lincoln and Omaha. A concerned citizen initially alerted the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Here’s a rundown of how the scam works: An elderly person receives a phone call and there’s a pause on the line before anyone starts talking. The caller tells the person that he or she is due for a raise in social security benefits. The caller says he’s making sure the person’s social security and bank account numbers are correct. Then he asks for the numbers. Some people have offered to verify their information if the caller shares the numbers he has. The caller says federal law won’t let him do that. The caller presses for information. If person still refuses, a “supervisor” gets on the line and reiterates that they can’t share information by federal law and person must tell them his or her personal information. “Don’t let anyone bully you into giving out personal information,” Bruning said. “Scam artists will try every tactic in the book. Your best defense is to hang up the phone.” Consumers who believe they are victims of a telemarketing scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division toll-free at (800)727-6432 or file a complaint online at http://www.ago.ne.gov. Consumer Safety Tips: -- Don’t be afraid to hang up. It’s okay to be rude. -- Never give credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers to people you don’t know. -- Always check your credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report them to your credit card companies immediately. -- Seniors, including those in nursing homes or assisted living, may be targeted more because they’re perceived by scam artists to have more free time, tend to be alone more, and may have more disposable income. -- Educate yourself and talk to others. -- Don’t be afraid to ask a neighbor, family member, friend, banker, or trusted advisor if you have doubts about an offer or business. -- Everyone, regardless of age, sex, education level, financial situation or where they live, is a potential victim. -- Call law enforcement immediately if you think you’ve been victimized. -- Never accept the help of someone who calls you and offers to help recover the losses in a scam “for a small fee.” Odds are it’s the same scam artist coming back for more. -- There will never be a solution that eliminates scam artists. They’re constantly changing their methods to avoid law enforcement. (Source: The Nebraska Attorney General)
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