Sweepstakes and lottery scams are targeting seniors with ever-changing tactics.
These scams seek out seniors, targeting them by direct mail, cold calling, social media, even text messages and smartphone pop-ups.
The Better Business Bureau warns you to be on guard against these serious frauds and their perpetrators.
Jenn Love, Better Business Bureau of Acadiana Business Administration Manager, says, “It targets seniors 65 to 74. Those who’ve had a negative life event or those who are on a fixed income or actually have a declining income. Actually most of these seniors are wanting to use this money for their families or for charity or something else asa matter of fact for a good cause.”
Half a million Americans and Canadians were scammed out of 117 million dollars last year in these schemes.
Better Business Bureau investigators say you should look out for your elderly relatives who could fall victim.
Steve Baker, Better Business Bureau International Investigation Specialist, says, “Watch out for for elderly relatives.. if they’re getting lots of junk mail lots of prizes and sweepstakes and charities and stuff, they’re on some list and they are at risk by being hit by somebody who’s going to ask them for a lot of money so it’s really important to watch out for your older relatives.”
Seniors are the most frequent targets and suffer the largest losses by far in these scams — originating in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Nigeria.
You should never send money if asked to.
Baker says, “Never send money.. Do what you can to check it out in advance and that should help a lot.”
“A big part of this study was to raise awareness. We want to help our seniors. We want to let them know what’s going on, the community needs to be aware of everything else,” Love adds.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid becoming a victim:
- True lotteries or sweepstakes don’t ask for money.
- Call the lottery or sweepstakes company directly to see if you won.
- Do an internet search of the company, name, or phone number of the person who contacted you.
The Better Business Bureau adds some “cold” calls directed toward seniors ask them to keep it secret.
Seniors should speak out if they don’t feel comfortable about what could be a scam.
If you have any scams you would like me to investigate, email me at SMasters@klfy.com.